An overview & critical review of the Sensory Profile - second edition

Scand J Occup Ther. 2023 Aug;30(6):758-770. doi: 10.1080/11038128.2021.1930148. Epub 2021 May 31.

Abstract

Background: The Sensory Profile-2 (SP-2) is the recently revised set of scales that provide information about a child's responses to different types of sensory stimuli.

Aim: To examine the methodological quality and psychometric properties of the SP-2 using the Consensus-based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) and Quality Criteria for Health Status Questionnaires (QCHSQ).

Materials and methods: The methodological quality and psychometric properties for each of the SP-2 scales were examined by two assessors using the COSMIN and QCHSQ.

Results: The COSMIN revealed that the SP-2 demonstrated strengths in patient-related outcome measure design and internal consistency. However, hypothesis testing, cross-cultural validity and structural validity (construct validity) were notable shortcomings. The QCHSQ indicated the SP-2 has merits in its content validity and construct validity. The SP-2 manual reported insufficient evidence of its responsiveness, interpretability and criterion validity.

Conclusion: Informed assessment selection is fundamental for evidence-based and quality occupational therapy practice provision. Overall, the SP-2 is considered to have adequate psychometric properties, however users should be mindful of the identified shortcomings.

Significance: The review and critique of the SP-2 adds to the body of knowledge about the revised instrument and provides an objective perspective about its strengths and weaknesses.

Keywords: COSMIN; QCHSQ; Sensation; children; occupational therapy; psychometrics; reliability; review; sensory processing; validity.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Health Status*
  • Humans
  • Outcome Assessment, Health Care*
  • Psychometrics
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Surveys and Questionnaires