Symptoms associated with environmental factors are positively related to sensory-processing sensitivity

Authors: Reddington K, Witthöft M, Köteles F, Szemerszky R

Year: 2025 Oct 25

Category: Psychosomatic Research

Journal: Journal of Psychosomatic Research

DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2025.112425

URL: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41160934/

Abstract

Overview

Symptoms associated with environmental factors (SAEFs) are characterized by persistent somatic symptom distress and impaired daily functioning. Recent research has explored the connection between SAEFs and psychological traits such as somatosensory amplification (SSA), body awareness, and worries about the negative effects of modern technologies, including electromagnetic fields.

Methods

  • A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 491 participants (average age 34.7 years, 76.4% women).
  • Questionnaires measured four main SAEFs: perceived sensitivity to chemicals, buildings, sounds, and electromagnetic fields (EMF).
  • Additional assessments included levels of somatic symptom distress, body awareness, SSA, modern health worries (MHWs), and sensory-processing sensitivity (SPS).

Findings

  • Somatic symptoms distress, SSA, body awareness, and SPS were all positively and significantly related to each investigated SAEF.
  • There was a notably strong association between SSA and SPS (r = 0.73, p < .001).

Conclusion

SPS emerges as a new, important psychological factor associated with SAEFs. The study emphasizes the importance of understanding the role of SSA and SPS in the manifestation of symptoms linked to environmental factors, including electromagnetic fields. These findings highlight a clear connection between EMF sensitivity, psychological traits, and increased health risk awareness.

sensory-processing sensitivity electromagnetic fields somatic symptoms environmental factors psychological factors body awareness somatosensory amplification
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