I can't concentrate! creating learning environments that support highly sensitive learners to thrive

Approximately 30% of the population has a highly vigilant nervous system that responds and reacts to positive and negative environmental stimuli in a heightened manner. The personality/temperament trait associated with this environmental sensitivity is Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS), which is measured by the Highly Sensitive Person Scale (HSPS) (Aron and Aron, 1997). The hallmarks of SPS are deep cognitive processing, emotional reactivity, heightened awareness of environmental subtleties, and a propensity to feel overwhelmed if over-stimulated. This qualitative study investigated the lived experience of 13 highly sensitive (as measured by the HSPS) postsecondary learners. Results found that there were a number of benefits associated with high levels of sensitivity for postsecondary learners. It also found that the participants were negatively impacted by aspects of the physical learning environments, including light, visual and noise distraction, and the presence of indoor environmental pollutants, including scented cleaning and personal products. Recommendations for supporting highly sensitive students to thrive in physical learning environments include providing widespread education regarding the trait, institutional consideration of illumination levels, reduction of visual and noise distraction, and considering on-campus scent-free policies. Further support could include providing low-sensory spaces and establishing support groups for highly sensitive learners.