Biomedical
The DOES Scale: Measuring Sensory Processing Sensitivity as a Trait Constellation
Danièle Anne Gubler,
Tobias Janelt,
Marcus Roth,
Jasmin Guggisberg,
Stefan Johannes Troche
Peer Reviewed
Abstract
Based on Aron’s (2020) DOES model, we developed the DOES Scale to measure Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS) with four dimensions: Depth of Processing, Overstimulation, Emotional Reactivity, and Sensing the Subtle. Using interview data from the study by Roth et al. (2023), we created a 20-item questionnaire (5 items per dimension) in German and English. In three studies with 1,365 subjects from Switzerland, Germany, Austria, and the UK, we evaluated the psychometric properties of the scale using confirmatory factor analysis and examined construct validity with the established Highly Sensitive Person Scale (HSPS) and different personality measures. The results confirmed each subscale’s unidimensionality and good psychometric properties. Considering the four subscales together indicated that they could be best described as correlated factors rather than in terms of a second-order factor. Convergent validity was confirmed, especially for Overstimulation in its association with the HSPS total score and its subscales EOE and LST. Regarding discriminant validity, the Sensing the Subtle dimension exhibited clear distinctiveness, while the other three subscales overlapped with neuroticism, extraversion, empathy, and rumination, aligning with theoretical expectations. The DOES Scale emerges as a reliable, valid tool for assessing SPS, recommending its four dimensions be interpreted as a trait constellation.
Key Questions
What is Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS)?
Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS) is a personality trait characterized by a deeper cognitive processing of sensory input, heightened emotional reactivity, increased sensitivity to environmental stimuli, and a greater awareness of subtleties. Individuals with high SPS, often referred to as Highly Sensitive Persons (HSPs), tend to process sensory information more thoroughly and may become easily overstimulated by external factors.
What is the DOES model in the context of SPS?
The DOES model, proposed by Aron (2020), conceptualizes SPS through four dimensions: Depth of Processing, Overstimulation, Emotional Reactivity, and Sensing the Subtle. This model provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the multifaceted nature of sensitivity in individuals.
How was the DOES Scale developed and validated?
The DOES Scale was developed to measure SPS by creating a 20-item questionnaire, with 5 items dedicated to each of the four dimensions of the DOES model. The scale was evaluated through studies involving 1,365 participants from Switzerland, Germany, Austria, and the UK. Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the unidimensionality and good psychometric properties of each subscale. The scale demonstrated reliability and validity in assessing SPS as a trait constellation.
What are the implications of interpreting SPS as a trait constellation?
Interpreting SPS as a trait constellation, as measured by the DOES Scale, suggests that the four dimensions are interrelated yet distinct aspects of sensitivity. This perspective allows for a nuanced understanding of how individuals experience and process sensory information, emphasizing the importance of considering each dimension separately in both research and practical applications.
