THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SENSORY PROCESSING AND PARENT-CHILD PLAY PREFERENCES

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the relationship between sensory processing and parent-child play preferences. METHOD: This correlational study used survey design and participants were recruited via snowball sampling. Participants completed a demographic form, Sensory Profile, Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile, and Parent-Child Play Scale. RESULTS: Analysis revealed no relationships between parent sensory seeking scores and child sensory seeking scores. There was also no relationship between parent sensory sensitivity scores and pretend play. There were significant correlations between parent and child sensory sensitivity scores (r =-0.535, p = 0.01) and parent seeking scores and responsive play (r = 0.352, p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest there may be a relationship between some, but not all parent and child sensory processing patterns and between parents' sensory processing patterns and their play preferences with their children. Clinicians should take into consideration sensory processing during treatment planning and interventions for children and their families.