Sensory sensitivity: Mechanisms, triggers and soothers

Sensory hypersensitivity can be described as sensitivity to stimuli across one or more sensory modalities which can cause discomfort or overwhelm, or be soothing and comforting, depending on the individual. It is associated with areas of neurodiversity and a number of health and neurological conditions, but is also reported by many without a clinical diagnosis. People who have sensory hypersensitivities can find everyday tasks such as shopping or visiting health and education settings challenging, and their coping mechanisms are often effortful.

This research project explores the mechanisms, triggers and soothers of visual sensitivities and combines neuroimaging with qualitative research. Early theories as to potential biomechanisms of sensory sensitivities are emerging (E.g., increased neurotransmitter excitation/inhibition ratio or individual differences in network connectivity) but are yet to be fully elucidated. Further, work exploring sensory sensitivities to date has used experimental stimuli developed specifically for the task but has neglected the exploration of 'real world' stimuli that are commonly found in the interior landscape of public spaces, despite these being an often-reported source of visual discomfort.

This PhD will therefore seek to identify the following:

1) What are the neural mechanisms of visual sensitivities?
2) What are common environmental elements of the physical environment found in clinical and commercial spaces which trigger visual sensitivities, and which elements help to soothe these?

Functional neuroimaging methods using stimuli from the built environment will seek to identify which specific aspects of architectural specifications (e.g. light intensity and hue, wall patterns and colours etc) contribute to visual discomfort and which help to soothe it. Emerging research suggests that green light can reduce the frequency and severity of migraine attacks, whilst blue light can trigger them. Likewise, ubiquitous vertically striped acoustic panelling may help those with misophonia but can induce nausea and dizziness in those with visual sensitivities. Using neuroimaging with 'real world' stimuli in this research may not just help to identify specific triggers and soothers but also enables the exploration of potential biomechanisms of visual sensitivities.

In tandem to functional neuroimaging, qualitative research will support the ecological validity of the project. Hearing the lived experiences of people with sensory hypersensitivity when navigating public spaces will contribute to a broader understanding of how designers and architects can better accommodate people with sensory sensitivities in the built environment. The PhD will be completed part time alongside the students' professional role as an interior designer, allowing research outcomes to directly impact the design of public spaces. This represents a unique opportunity through their professional experience and associated contacts to simultaneously apply knowledge of environmental stimuli to this research and to inform guidelines for the built environment with the results. The research outcomes of this PhD would therefore inform tangible changes to public spaces, to the benefit of many who use them.