The Double-Edged Sword of Special Interests: Predicting Sensory Overwhelm and Emotional Exhaustion in Neurodivergent Dark Tourists

Abstract

The present study, titled The Double-Edged Sword of Special Interests: Predicting Sensory Overwhelm and Emotional Exhaustion in Neurodivergent Dark Tourists, delves into the controversial nature of special interests, sensory experiences and emotional exhaustion among neurodivergent people on dark tourism. Dark Tourism involves places that may stir the images of death and disaster, historical anguish and suffering; these places can be places of learning, reflection and engagement. For some people with sensory processing sensitivities, autism, ADHD, and other neurodivergence, special interests may enhance their immersion in these places and curiosity/motivation. Looking for engagement also can expose people to overly emotionally arousing stories, too much sensations (other people, objects, sounds, colors, etc.), too much inconsistent sensations (cash, furniture, growling lapdog, color shifts, pulsing blood pressure, etc.) and too much overthinking, which can lead to sensory overload and emotional fatigue. This conceptual study aims to see whether these outcomes may be predicted by the intensity of these special interests, the level of sensory sensitivity, the demands of the environment and how emotional an experience it is. It also highlights the need to consider how context within tourism, emotional strategies and sensory supports can act as moderating factors. This study uses a quantitative research approach to explore possible links between the variables and to derive the different factors contributing to a positive and negative tourism experience. These should facilitate a renewed conversation about etiquette, about relative awareness and a visitor experience that is different, around an accessible and acceptable diversion that does not compromise the visitor experience in the name of psychological wellbeing – important for research into neurodiversity valued tourism.