It could be argued that it was just a mental technique for blocking mind probes (a bit like in Dune), only later would it be contextually seen as a possible manifestation of her Force sensitivity.

There are nice discussions of this type to be found on this thread for ESB and ROTJ (though it's become more of a ROTJ idea thread recently) : http://originaltrilogy.com/forum/topic.cfm/ESB-and-ROTJ-Wishlist/topic/8826/

and this one for the prequels : http://originaltrilogy.com/forum/topic.cfm/The-Prequel-Radical-Redux-Ideas-Thread/topic/9911/

Like this thread they are for basic ideas though the prequel one is specifically for really pushing the boat out with imagination.

It would be nice to see what you can add to those ongoing discussions.