Date Presented 03/21/24
Research exploring the impact of a customized multisensory environment experience on self-reported stress, anxiety, and relaxation with adult community participants of varying abilities. Qualitative and quantitative analysis indicate positive impact.
Primary Author and Speaker: Nicole Halliwell
Additional Authors and Speakers: John R. Patro, Francesca Storino, Tori Aguilar
PURPOSE: Multisensory environments (MSE) are immersive spaces designed to provide individuals with diverse needs a sensory rich experience utilizing visual, auditory, tactile, and proprioceptive inputs (Cameron et al., 2020; Haegele & Porretta, 2014; Unwin et al., 2022). Prior studies indicate MSE experiences may provide a sense of comfort, safety, relaxation, and enjoyment through the use of various elements designed to target individual sensory preferences and needs (Cavanagh et al., 2019). The purpose of this research study was to explore how self-ratings of perceived stress, anxiety, and relaxation are impacted by a thirty-minute MSE experience for community dwelling adults.
DESIGN: Mixed‐methods quasi experimental one group pre/posttest design utilizing convenience sample of community dwelling adults.
METHOD: Qualitative and quantitative data were collected to measure participants’ perceived level of change after using the MSE on relaxation, stress, and anxiety variables. Through the use of a manualized protocol, participants were able to customize the experience and use the equipment based on their individual sensory preferences while facilitating protocol fidelity.
RESULTS: Preliminary results indicate self-reported changes in the research variables of interest. Analysis of qualitative responses indicate preliminary themes related to autonomy, curiosity, and benefits to self and others.
CONCLUSION: Prior research focused heavily on clinical populations with limited to no fidelity of experience across participants. The study results indicate positive effects of the MSE intervention on reducing stress and anxiety levels while increasing relaxation for community participants which carry the potential for positive health outcomes.
IMPACT STATEMENT: Knowledge of the potential impact to individuals’ self rated levels of stress, anxiety, and relaxation can provide OT practitioners insight on how this intervention may generate health benefits across populations.
References
Cameron, A., Burns, P., Garner, A., Lau, S., Dixon, R., Pascoe, C., & Szafraniec, M. (2020). Making sense of multi‐sensory environments: A scoping review. International Journal of Disability, Development and Education, 67(6), 630–656. https://doi.org/10.1080/1034912X.2019.1634247
Cavanagh, B., Haracz, K., Lawry, M., & James, C. (2019). It’s like another world: The perceived beneficial effects of an artistically designed multisensory environment. Medical Humanities, 45(1), 52–59. https://doi.org/10.1136/medhum-2018-011492
Haegele, J. A., & Porretta, D. L. (2014). Snoezelen Multisensory Environment: An overview of research and practical implications. PALAESTRA, 28(4), Article 4. https://js.sagamorepub.com/palaestra/article/view/6138
Unwin, K. L., Powell, G., & Jones, C. R. (2022). The use of Multi-Sensory Environments with autistic children: Exploring the effect of having control of sensory changes. Autism: the International Journal of Research and Practice, 26(6), 1379–1394. https://doi.org/10.1177/13623613211050176
