AUTHOR=Jakobson Lorna S. , McQuarrie Amanda M. , Van Landeghem Chantal , Smith Stephen D. 

TITLE=Traits linked to sensory processing sensitivity mediate the relationship between externally oriented thinking and fantasizing

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Psychology

VOLUME=Volume 15 - 2024

YEAR=2024

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1354120

DOI=10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1354120

ISSN=1664-1078

ABSTRACT=Alexithymia is characterized by difficulties identifying and describing feelings but expression of externally oriented thinking (EOT) and difficulty fantasizing is more variable. In two studies, we investigated whether links between EOT and fantasizing are mediated by sensory processing sensitivity (SPS). University students completed measures of alexithymia, SPS, and fantasizing. In Study 1 (N = 700) we identified two clusters of SPS traits: a positive facet (sensitivity to subtle stimuli) and a negative facet (sensitivity to uncomfortable stimuli). In the 499 participants who completed the fantasy measure, low EOT scores predicted stronger SPS positive and negative traits, which predicted a stronger tendency to mentally project oneself into the lives of characters in books, movies, and plays. In Study 2 (N = 600), the link between EOT and this same fantasizing tendency was again mediated by features of SPS-in this case fantasy proneness and emotional reactivity. We suggest that, whereas individuals who score high on EOT have an impoverished fantasy life, those who score relatively low on EOT and turn their attention inward are able to maintain stronger representations of imagined events in working memory (enhancing the likelihood that they will be recalled) and react more strongly to these events (enhancing their salience). These features of SPS increase the likelihood of that they will develop a cognitive style involving the application of imagery-based strategies to support deep processing of the characters' thoughts and feelings.