Exploring the neurological basis of sensory processing sensitivity and emotional reactivity: Insights from large-scale brain networks

Abstract

This study investigated the neural mechanisms underlying SPS and emotional reactivity from the perspective of large-scale brain networks. A sample of 62 Chinese university students (35 females) was recruited. SPS was measured using the Chinese version of the Highly Sensitive Person Scale (C-HSPS), and emotional reactivity was assessed with the revised Chinese version of the Emotional Reactivity Scale (ERS). Resting-state functional connectivity was examined using fMRI. Behavioral analyses revealed a significant positive correlation between SPS and emotional reactivity (r = 0.49, p < 0.01). Neuroimaging findings showed that SPS was significantly negatively correlated with the functional connectivity between the salience network (SN) and frontoparietal network (FPN) (r = -0.29, p < 0.05), and the SN-FPN connectivity was also significantly negatively correlated with emotional reactivity (r = -0.28, p < 0.05). Mediation analysis demonstrated that SPS mediated the relationship between SN-FPN connectivity and emotional reactivity, such that SN-FPN connectivity predicted emotional reactivity indirectly through SPS. These findings indicate significant associations among SPS, SN-FPN connectivity, and emotional reactivity. The reduced SN-FPN connectivity observed in individuals with high SPS may potentially endow high-SPS individuals with advantages in supportive environments but increases their vulnerability to emotional dysregulation in challenging situations. This study provides novel insights into the neural mechanisms underlying SPS.

Keywords: Brain functional connectivity; Emotional reactivity; Sensory processing sensitivity.