Sensory compensation beliefs among blind and sighted individuals

Datos Bibliográficos

ID21391978
AutoresMichal Pieniak (0000-0002-2991-7109, Institute of Psychology University of Wrocław Wrocław Poland), Kinga Lachowicz‐Tabaczek (0000-0002-4366-5550, Institute of Psychology University of Wrocław Wrocław Poland), Maciej Karwowski (0000-0001-6974-1673, Institute of Psychology University of Wrocław Wrocław Poland), Anna Oleszkiewicz (0000-0003-2217-1858, Institute of Psychology University of Wrocław Wrocław Poland, autor de correspondencia)
Año2022
Volumen63
Número1
Páginas72-82
Fecha de publicación2022-02-01
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaScandinavian Journal of Psychology (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 0036-5564 • E-ISSN: 1467-9450
EditorialWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/sjop.12781
PMID34708412
OpenAlexW3209958865
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas2
Referencias citadas50

The process of neural and behavioral reorganization following sensory loss is known as sensory compensation. Typically, it is believed that sensory loss is followed by increased acuity of the intact modalities. Indeed, many studies compared blind and sighted individuals’ sensitivity of the intact sensory modalities. Yet, it remains poorly understood whether sensory compensation is reflected in the lay beliefs of those, whom it concerns. We examined whether blind and sighted individuals believe that their lack of vision is compensated by increased sensitivity of the intact senses. Study 1 ( n = 63) aimed to compare the ratings of sensory sensitivity made by blind and sighted people. Participants rated the sensory sensitivity of a blind population in four modalities (i.e., olfaction, audition, gustation, touch) and compared it to the sensory sensitivity of a sighted population. In Study 2 ( n = 191) participants rated their own sensory sensitivity in four modalities. Each participant referred to (1) people of the same sensory status and (2) people of the opposite sensory status. The level of global self‐esteem was controlled to verify self‐enhancing nature of these beliefs. The results of both studies showed that the beliefs about sensory compensation are shared by blind and sighted participants on group and on individual levels. The self‐enhancement underpinning of these beliefs was most pronounced in gustatory sensitivity assessment. Psychological and medical consequences of sensory compensation beliefs are discussed

Audiology · Cognitive psychology · Modalities · Population · Sensation · Sensory Adaptation · Sensory system · Stimulus modality · Medicine · Olfactory and Sensory Function Studies · Psychology · Tactile and Sensory Interactions · Visual perception and processing mechanisms

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