The Association Between Atypical Sensory Processing in Adults with Mental Illness and Occupational Participation and Engagement: A Scoping Review

Background/Objectives: Atypical sensory processing in adults experiencing mental illness has been widely studied. The purpose of this review is to systematically map and synthesise literature examining the relationship between atypical sensory processing and participation-related outcomes in adults experiencing mental illness. Methods: A scoping review was conducted in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and the PRISMA-ScR reporting guidelines. Six electronic databases (MEDLINE via PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library) were searched from inception to March 2026. Additional grey literature sources were searched via ProQuest. Eligible studies recruited adults experiencing mental illness, reported on sensory processing, and included outcomes relating broadly to participation. Results: Eighteen studies met the inclusion criteria; most focused on schizophrenia spectrum disorders (n = 10). Across diagnoses, participants demonstrated higher rates of atypical sensory processing than normative or control populations. Studies using the Adult/Adolescent Sensory Profile indicated that low registration, sensory sensitivity, and sensory avoidance were associated with reduced participation-related outcomes. Studies using objective measures to identify atypical sensory processing similarly found associations with poorer functioning and quality of life, although relationships were often mediated by other variables. Qualitative studies described the influence of sensory experiences on participation and the use of self-management strategies to support occupational engagement. Evidence for sensory modulation interventions was limited but suggested potential improvements in participation. Conclusions: Atypical sensory processing may negatively impact participation in adults experiencing mental illness. Sensory processing represents a potentially modifiable contributor to participation-related outcomes. Further research is required to clarify causal relationships, establish intervention effectiveness, and develop greater conceptual and terminological consistency across disciplines.