Sensitivity and Differential Susceptibility to Parenting: Sensory Processing Sensitivity and Parenting predicting Behavioral Activation System activation

Abstract

The 'differential susceptibility theory' states that some children are more susceptible to parenting, in a 'for- better-and-for-worse' manner (Belsky & Pluess, 2009). The current study aimed to examine if Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS) influences the effect of parenting on child adjustment and if this influence is conform the 'differential susceptibility theory'. I examined the relation between SPS, consistency and responsiveness in parenting, Behavioral Inhibition System (BIS) activation and Behavioral Activation System (BAS) activation in order to answer these questions. Two hundred six mothers and twelve fathers completed web based questionnaires about their children (116 boys and 104 girls). Children with low SPS seem more susceptible to parenting and they have, depending on the parenting style, either the highest or lowest BAS activation, conform the differential susceptibility theory. BIS activation seems an aspect of SPS as a system which pauses behavior in order to process the environment more thorough. Consistency in parenting seems to have a negative effect on BAS activation, perhaps because of discouraging punishment for attractive but inappropriate behavior. Responsiveness seems not related to BIS/BAS activation. Co-occurrence of BIS and BAS activation may indicate co activation of the BIS and BAS in order to orchestrate complex behavior.