Understimulated or Overstimulated?: Leveraging Sensory Sensitivities to Enhance Cognitive Performance in College Students

Presentation Type

Poster

Conference Date

Spring 4-17-2026

Abstract

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is associated with executive function deficits, including inhibitory control difficulties, and emerging research highlights the role of sensory processing differences, such as under stimulation, in exacerbating these challenges. Hypotheses: This study examines whether sensory stimulation modalities influence inhibitory control among undergraduates with high vs. low ADHD symptoms. We hypothesize that students with high ADHD symptoms will report greater sensory sensitivities differences and demonstrate weaker inhibitory control overall. Further, participants with higher sensory seeking sensitivities will perform better when also engaging in sensory activities/tasks, while participants with more sensory aversions may perform worse. Methods: This study will examine the effects of sensory stimulation on response inhibition in undergraduates. Using a 2 (group: ADHD vs. non-ADHD) × 8 (sensory stimulation condition) mixed factorial design, participants will complete a Go/No-Go task under eight sensory-focused conditions (e.g., auditory, tactile, gustatory). Self-reported sensory profiles will also be collected. Data collection is complete and data analysis is underway. Conclusions: Findings from this study aim to bridge gaps in the literature by providing empirical evidence on the behavioral effects of under stimulation and informing targeted interventions to enhance task engagement in adults with ADHD.

Presenter

Elena Whatley

Faculty Mentor

Elia Soto

Award

1st Place, Poster Presentations - Humanities, Social Sciences, and the Arts; 1st Place, LSU College of Humanities & Social Sciences

Academic Major

Psychology & Political Science

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