Published October 30, 2026 | Version v1

SENSIBILIDAD DE PROCESAMIENTO SENSORIAL EN PROFESIONALES SANITARIOS: ESTUDIO OBSERVACIONAL TRANSVERSAL MEDIANTE LA ESCALA DE PERSONA ALTAMENTE SENSIBLE (HSPS-S)

  • 1. Hospital San Carlos de Denia. Universidad Camilo José Cela (UCJC). Universidad del Atlántico Medio (UNAM). Universidad Internacional de la Empresa (UNIE). España

Description

Tipo de artículo: Artículo original

Introducción. La Sensibilidad de Procesamiento Sensorial (SPS) es un rasgo de personalidad caracterizado por un procesamiento más profundo de la información, una mayor reactividad emocional y una elevada sensibilidad frente a estímulos internos y externos. Aunque este rasgo se ha relacionado con fortalezas como la empatía y la capacidad de observación, también puede incrementar la vulnerabilidad al estrés en profesiones con una elevada carga emocional, como las sanitarias (1–4).

Objetivo. Describir las características de la Sensibilidad de Procesamiento Sensorial en una muestra de profesionales sanitarios y explorar la percepción de su influencia sobre el ejercicio profesional.

Método. Se planteó un estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal realizado mediante un cuestionario electrónico autoadministrado donde participaron  profesionales sanitarios de distintas categorías. Se recogieron variables sociodemográficas, el conocimiento previo sobre la alta sensibilidad y las respuestas a la Escala de Persona Altamente Sensible (HSPS-S), compuesta por 23 ítems. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo de las variables y se evaluó la consistencia interna de la escala mediante el coeficiente alfa de Cronbach.

Resultados. De los 89 profesionales sanitarios, el 85,4 % fueron mujeres. La puntuación media obtenida en la HSPS-S fue de 105,9 ± 34,0 puntos, mostrando una elevada variabilidad entre los participantes. La escala presentó una excelente consistencia interna (α = 0,966). Las respuestas abiertas reflejaron que los participantes perciben la alta sensibilidad como un rasgo que favorece la empatía, la humanización de los cuidados y la detección de necesidades de los pacientes, aunque también se asocia con una mayor sobrecarga emocional y fatiga derivada del ejercicio profesional.

Conclusiones. La Sensibilidad de Procesamiento Sensorial constituye un rasgo presente en un número relevante de profesionales sanitarios y puede influir tanto en la calidad de la atención como en el bienestar emocional de quienes desempeñan labores asistenciales. Reconocer este rasgo podría contribuir al desarrollo de estrategias de apoyo y promoción de la salud laboral adaptadas a las necesidades de estos profesionales.

Abstract (English)

Article type: Original Research Article

Introduction. Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS) is a personality trait characterized by deeper cognitive processing, increased emotional reactivity, and heightened sensitivity to internal and external stimuli. Although SPS has been associated with strengths such as empathy and enhanced observational skills, it may also increase vulnerability to occupational stress in emotionally demanding professions such as healthcare (1–4).

Objective. To describe Sensory Processing Sensitivity in a sample of healthcare professionals and to explore its perceived influence on professional practice.

Method. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted using a self-administered online questionnaire. Eighty-nine healthcare professionals participated. Sociodemographic variables, previous knowledge about high sensitivity, and responses to the Highly Sensitive Person Scale (HSPS-S) were collected. Descriptive analyses were performed, and the internal consistency of the scale was assessed using Cronbach's alpha coefficient.

Results. A total of 89 healthcare professionals participated, of whom 85.4% were women. The mean HSPS-S score was 105.9 ± 34.0 points, with substantial variability across participants. The scale showed excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.966). Qualitative responses suggested that participants perceived high sensitivity as a trait that enhances empathy, humanized care, and the ability to identify patients' needs, while also increasing emotional burden and occupational fatigue.

Conclusions. Sensory Processing Sensitivity is a relevant personality trait among healthcare professionals and may influence both the quality of patient care and professionals' emotional well-being. Recognizing this trait may contribute to developing occupational health strategies aimed at promoting resilience and well-being in healthcare settings.

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Additional details

Additional titles

Translated title (English)
SENSORY PROCESSING SENSITIVITY IN HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY USING THE HIGHLY SENSITIVE PERSON SCALE (HSPS-S)

Dates

Collected
2026-07-28
manuscrito recibido
Accepted
2026-09-07
evaluación doble ciego
Available
2026-10-29
publicación en numero de la revista

Software

Repository URL
https://revistacientificasanum.com/
Development Status
Active

References

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