Sensory processing and Theory of Mind in older adults

Sensory Processing Sensitivity refers to the extent to which an individual is responsive to their surroundings, including both environmental stimuli and social stimuli (Acevedo et al., 2014). Sensory processing overall is known to decline with age, for example in hearing (Age UK) as well as other senses, and one study looking specifically at sensory processing sensitivity has shown that ease of excitation decreases with age and aesthetic sensitivity increases with age (Ueno et al., 2019). Previous results (Kiou, 2018) have shown that SPS has a significant relationship with level of empathy and theory of mind, specifically that highly sensitive individuals have higher empathy levels (cognitive empathy, theory of mind, perspective taking, empathic concern, and personal distress). Theory of mind also shows changes with age in that there is a decline in this in older adults (Bailey & Henry, 2008; Cavallini et al., 2013). Less research has looked at how all three factors – ageing, theory of mind and sensory processing sensitivity - interact. This review seeks to understand the link between sensory processing sensitivity, ageing and theory of mind further.