Sensory Modulation for People with Anxiety in a Community Mental Health Setting |
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| Authors: | Katrina Wallis Daniel Sutton Sandra Bassett |
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| Institution: | 1. New Zealand Registered Senior Occupational Therapist, Adult Mental Health Services, Waitemata District Health Board, Auckland, New Zealand;2. Senior Lecturer, Department of Occupational Science and Therapy, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand;3. Senior Lecturer, School of Clinical Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand |
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| Abstract: | Anxiety is a common mental health issue involving cognitive and physiological hypersensitivity to threat. It negatively affects occupational participation. Sensory modulation intervention aims to use calming sensory input to manage the hypersensitivity and physiological arousal associated with anxiety. The empirical evidence for using sensory interventions for anxiety, however, is limited. This mixed methods single subject case design explored the effectiveness of a 6-week sensory modulation intervention for reducing anxiety and improving occupational participation. Results showed significant reduction in anxiety and improved participation, providing further evidence that sensory modulation is an effective approach for the self-management of anxiety. |
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| Keywords: | Anxiety occupational performance participation sensory modulation |
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