Our senses are enormously powerful: they can transport us back to thoughts and feelings associated with previous experiences. Certain sights, sounds, tastes, textures, and smells may evoke positive memories, whereas others may remind us of traumatic events, and trigger a strong emotional response. When this happens, we risk becoming distressed and potentially spiralling into crisis.
While positive sensory experiences can enhance wellbeing and help individuals feel calm, safe, and regulated, negative sensory experiences can result in feelings of stress, anxiety, and overwhelm – all of which can affect our behaviour.
The Cycle of Influence model demonstrates how our feelings and behaviour are often a result of previous experiences. Sometimes, our sensory environment can remind us of these experiences and instigate a reaction in us.
Let’s take the example of wearing a particular perfume when working with an individual. Unbeknownst to us, our perfume is the same one worn by their abuser in the past. Without us realising it, the scent reminds the individual of a highly traumatic experience, re-traumatising them, and resulting in a strong emotional response and behaviour that needs support.
Over time, if we do not change their experience, this response can become habitual and individuals can continue react in the same way every time they smell the same perfume.
Read our article about ACEs and download our Staff Meeting in a Box about trauma-informed approaches.
Even when there are no traumatic prior experiences linked to the sensory environment, some individuals can find certain noises, smells, sights, tastes, and textures difficult to cope with.
For example, children, young people and adults with auditory sensitivities may struggle in situations where there are too many loud, layered, or competing noises. Similarly, an individual who has tactile sensitivity may find clothes labels or particular materials hard to tolerate next to their skin.
Individuals with sensory processing differences may be either hypersensitive or hyposensitive to certain stimuli. As a result, they may experience the environment in significantly different ways. They may become easily overwhelmed or overstimulated, and engage in distressed behaviour.
If we fail to identify the link between the sensory environment and behaviour, it can be difficult to decide on and offer the best, most appropriate support to the individuals in our care.
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