ABSTRACT

Objective: This study aimed to emphasize the importance of sensory integration in middle-aged adults by examining their sensory processing abilities, job-related stress, leisure activity levels, and amount of sleep, and by investigating the correlations among them. Methods: Employing the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile, the sensory processing ability, job-related stress, and leisure activities of 107 men and 100 women in their 40s and 50s were measured. Results: First, the sensory processing distribution showed that “Low sensory registration,” “Sensory sensitivity,” and “Sensory avoidance” were “Similar to most people,” but “Sensory seeking” was “Less than in most people.” Second, the correlation values with sensory processing, job-related stress, and leisure indicated that those who were active in “Sensory seeking” were less stressed and showed a higher participation in leisure activities. Third, in the correlations among sensory processing, job-related stress, and amount of sleep, the higher the “Low sensory registration” and the higher the “Sensory sensitivity,” the higher the job-related stress. It was also found that a lack of sleep affected the sensory integration activities and job-related stress. Conclusion: Through this study, it was confirmed that sensory processing ability is an important factor in increasing life satisfaction in middle-aged adults, and that “Sensory seeking” affected job-related stress and participation in leisure activities.