The Mediating Role of Self-Concept Clarity in the Relationship Between Sensory Processing Sensitivity and Student Mental Health

Reuvers, Afke (2025) The Mediating Role of Self-Concept Clarity in the Relationship Between Sensory Processing Sensitivity and Student Mental Health. Bachelor thesis, Psychology.

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Abstract

Student mental health concerns have been increasing in the Netherlands, with high rates of anxiety, depression, and emotional exhaustion among university students. Sensory processing sensitivity (SPS) has been linked to mental health challenges, but the underlying mechanisms of this relationship remain unclear. This study aimed to (1) investigate the relationship between SPS and student mental health, and (2) explore whether self-concept clarity (SCC) mediates this relationship. A total of 317 Dutch university students participated in an online survey, completing validated measures of SPS, SCC, and SMH. Results showed that SPS was significantly negatively associated with SMH, confirming our first hypothesis. Additionally, SCC partially mediated this relationship, confirming our second hypothesis and suggesting that lower SCC may influence students with high SPS in experiencing more mental health issues. This finding highlights the potential role of SCC as an explanatory mechanism in student well-being. The study’s implications suggest that psychological interventions focussing on strengthening SCC – such as dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) or self-compassion training – may help mitigate the negative impact of SPS on student mental health. However, due to the cross-sectional design, causal relationships cannot be inferred. Future research should employ longitudinal studies to confirm these findings and explore additional mediators, such as emotion regulation and resilience. These results provide new insights into the psychological mechanisms linking SPS to student mental health, emphasising the importance of SCC in understanding and supporting highly sensitive students.

Item Type:	Thesis (Bachelor)
Supervisor name:	Van Dellen, S.A.
Degree programme:	Psychology
Differentiation route:	None [Bachelor Psychology]
Date Deposited:	28 Feb 2025 14:25
Last Modified:	28 Feb 2025 14:25
URI:	http://gmwpublic.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/4733

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