Sensibilidad al ambiente (educativo) : autogestión de la alta demanda en estudiantes y profesionales universitarios

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Abstract

Currently, the educational sector echoes the knowledge contributed by Psychology, understanding within the context of its social responsibility that it must facilitate the integral development of individuals by enhancing the acquisition of competencies in an environment that promotes physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It is well known that personality traits influence this well-being and the expression of individual potential. Scientific literature has evidenced that the personality trait characterised by high Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS), present in approximately 30% of the population, makes the socalled highly sensitive person much more sensitive to environmental influences. Thus, high SPS can lead to greater benefits from positive environments but also pose a risk for developing physical and mental health problems in unfavorable environments. Despite its social impact, few studies have been conducted on these individuals in the university context, especially among professionals. In response to this need, this study aims to: 1) analyse, based on the perceptions of university students and professionals, with and without the high SPS trait, the difficulties and strengths present in daily management when facing highly demanding situations, and 2) comparatively analyse the differential aspects exhibited by highly sensitive individuals. A qualitative methodology was followed, using focus groups as the source of information, in which 10 students and 17 professionals participated. Content analysis reveals five common themes (trait visibility, health, personality, strategies, and difficulties). All groups display strengths but also difficulties in daily coping, with particularities among the highly sensitive group. The results are discussed, including a training proposal focused on SPS, but applicable and beneficial for the entire university community.