Relationship between sensory processing styles and deficit in executive functions: The moderating role of personality traits

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between sensory processing styles based on the Dunn model, the deficit in executive functions, and the moderating role of personality traits. Materials and Methods: The statistical population of this descriptive-correlation study included all students of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad in the academic year 2019-20. Among them, 426 students from different fields were selected by convenient sampling method. Data were collected using the Neo-Form Short Personality Questionnaire (NEO-FFI), Adolescent and Adult Sensory Processing Profile (AASP), and the Barkley Deficits in Executive Functioning Scale (BDEFS). Data analyzed using Pearson correlation and hierarchical regression. Results: The findings showed that sensory processing styles, low recording (P<0.001), and sensory sensitivity (P<0.01) predict positive and significant performance deficit. Among the personality traits, neuroticism (P<0.01) and extraversion (P<0.01) predict deficit in executive functions significantly. The feature of extraversion modulates the relationship between low sensory recording and deficit in executive functions. It should be noted that low recording sensory processing style with extraversion personality trait predict 48% of the variance of deficit in executive actions. Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, deficit in executive functions can be predicted based on the Dunn modeling sensory processing styles of the model, and personality traits, especially the factor of extraversion, play a decisive role in strengthening this relationship.