Investigation of tactile defensiveness and self‐esteem in typically developing children

Making sense of it all: The impact of sensory processing sensitivity on daily functioning of children

“…Research showed that "Sensory sensitivity" is associated with sleeping and behavioral problems (Reynolds, Lane, & Thacker, 2012;Shochat, Tzischinsky, & Engel-Yeger, 2009), and ritualism and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms (Dar, Kahn, & Carmeli, 2012). "Sensory defensiveness" is related to eating, learning and other social, emotional and behavioral problems (Smith, Roux, Naidoo, & Venter, 2005;Stephens & Royeen, 1998). "Sensory Over-Responsivity" is related to internalizing and externalizing problems, impaired emotion regulation, and less adaptive social behavior, and seems to be more frequently present in children with clinically significant anxiety (Ben-Sasson, Carter, & Briggs-Gowan, 2009;Conelea, Carter, & Freeman, 2014).…”

Stability of tactile defensiveness across cultures: European and American children's responses to the Touch Inventory for Elementary School Aged Children (TIE)

“…These investigators found that children with SMD had either greater electrodermal responses to stimulation, or none at all -a marked contrast to normal controls. Their research lends credibility to the notion that SMD, and tactile defensiveness as a type or form of SMD, exists as a physiological response (Royeen, 1986;Royeen and Fortune, 1990;Stephens and Royeen, 1998). Lai et al (1999) defined sensory modulation as a basic function of the nervous system and as the grading of responses according to incoming sensation.…”

“…Thus, tactile defensiveness may be considered a behavioural syndrome. Children who are tactually defensive are often misdiagnosed with emotional problems, aggressiveness, and hyperactivity (Hotz and Royeen, 1998;Royeen, 1986;Royeen and Fortune, 1990;Stephens and Royeen, 1998).…”

“…Yet, the investigation of sensory integrative dysfunction and sensory modulation disorders through discrete consideration of sensory systems, such as investigation of tactile defensiveness, is also of significance and valid. For example, Stephens and Royeen (1998) found a strong inverse relationship between tactile defensiveness and self-esteem in typically developing children. Hotz and Royeen (1998) as well as Bennett and Peterson (1995) found that children systematically rated perception of tactile defensiveness higher than did their mothers.…”

Typical Children’s Responsivity Patterns of the Tactile and Vestibular Systems

“…It is also important to note that although clinicians often refer to subcategories of disorders according to the various sensory systems involved (tactile, vestibular, visual and auditory defensiveness, or dormancy), some researchers believe that SMD may be a generalized disorder that affects modulation across a number of sensory systems (Kimball, 1993;McIntosh, et al, 1999;Stephens & Royeen, 1998). Indeed, Blanche and Schaaf (2001) suggested that for example, "proprioceptive seeking," a behavioral pattern consisting of hyperactive and "aggressive" or unsafe behaviors that may stem from children's search for increased input, may be one manifestation of a general sensory modulatory disorder.…”