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What It Means to Be a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP)

When sensitivity rises to the level of neurodivergence

Elizabeth Scott, PhD is an author, workshop leader, educator, and award-winning blogger on stress management, positive psychology, relationships, and emotional wellbeing.

Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital.

Jovo Jovanovic / Stocksy United

How Common Are HSPs?

What causes high sensitivity, similar conditions and traits, the downsides of high sensitivity.

Coping With Stress

A highly sensitive person (HSP) is a neurodivergent individual who is thought to have an increased or deeper central nervous system sensitivity to physical, emotional, or social stimuli. Some refer to this as having sensory processing sensitivity, or SPS for short.

We're all sensitive about certain things—that is human nature—but an HSP is understood to be a different level of sensitivity. While highly sensitive people are sometimes negatively described as being “ too sensitive ," it is a personality trait that brings both strengths and challenges.

The term highly sensitive person was first coined by psychologists Elaine Aron and Arthur Aron in the mid-1990s. Elaine Aron published her book, " The Highly Sensitive Person ," in 1996, and interest in the concept has continued to grow since then.

How Do You Know If You're an HSP?

Have you ever been told that you’re “too sensitive” or that you “shouldn’t think so much,” particularly by people who strike you as too in sensitive or who you believe should think a little more? You may be a highly sensitive person, or HSP.

"HSP isn't a clinical diagnosis in the DSM, but many people identify with the descriptor," says Amy Marschall, PsyD , a licensed clinical psychologist and educator with training in neurodivergence.

"Empathy is a spectrum, like many qualities, and can cause difficulty if too high or too low," she says. "While neither is automatically bad, high empathy can be exhausting. But with appropriate support and coping skills, you can manage your empathy levels and care for yourself appropriately."

Being an HSP does not mean that you have a mental illness. High sensitivity is a personality trait that involves increased responsiveness to both positive and negative influences.

High sensitivity applies across a few different categories. There are several traits or characteristics common to HSPs, according to the researchers who identified this personality trait:

Avoiding violent movies or TV shows because they feel too intense and leave you feeling unsettled
Being deeply moved by beauty , either expressed in art, nature, or the human spirit, or sometimes even a good commercial
Being overwhelmed by sensory stimuli like noisy crowds, bright lights, or uncomfortable clothing
Feeling a need for downtime (not just a preference), especially when you have hectic days; needing to retreat to a dark, quiet room
Having a rich and complex inner life , complete with deep thoughts and strong feelings that go with them

The Arons also developed a highly sensitive person test, or a personality questionnaire to help people identify themselves as HSPs. It is known as Aron’s Highly Sensitive Persons Scale (HSPS).

Sometimes, people assume HSPs are being "dramatic" or "attention-seeking" (I hate both terms). You aren't defined by other people's perception of you, and your experience is valid!

Highly sensitive people are thought to make up roughly 20% of the general population.

It is less common to be a highly sensitive person, and society tends to be built around people who notice a little less and are affected a little less deeply.

Highly sensitive people may benefit from finding ways to cope with the stresses they often face. This is true for those who recognize themselves as highly sensitive as well as those who have a loved one who is more sensitive than the average person.

What makes a person highly sensitive likely depends on a variety of factors such as evolution, environment, genetics, and early childhood experiences.

High sensitivity exists in at least 100 other species aside from humans. Research suggests that high sensitivity is an evolutionary trait that increases the likelihood of survival because HSPs are on the lookout for potential predators or dangerous situations. Of course, constantly being on guard when there aren't any immediate threats often results in anxiety .

Research also shows that a lack of parental warmth growing up may cause a child to develop high sensitivity and carry this trait into adulthood. The same goes for negative early childhood experiences. If you experienced trauma as a child, you may be more likely to become an HSP as an adult.

Genetics may contribute to high sensitivity. Specifically, the dopamine system may play a role. It affects personality and may make some people more prone than others to becoming highly sensitive. High sensitivity is also hereditary.

There is a higher chance that you will be highly sensitive if high sensitivity runs in your family.

In addition, your genes may evolve in response to negative early experiences, making you more susceptible to becoming an HSP.

People often confuse high sensitivity with other personality traits or mental health conditions:

Introversion : Both highly sensitive people and introverts can become overwhelmed when faced with too many stimuli. But introverts are overwhelmed specifically by social stimuli, like large crowds or parties. HSPs can become overwhelmed by social stimuli too; however, HSPs are sensitive to all different types of sensory stimuli, such as bright lights and loud music.
Sensory processing disorder (SPD) : It's true that someone with SPD and someone who is highly sensitive can be averse to sensory input. The difference is that SPD can cause decreased motor function, which is not a characteristic of HSPs. In addition, SPD can cause under-responsiveness to sensory stimuli, whereas it's characteristic of HSPs to over-respond.
Autism : High sensitivity is not a form of autism. Again, while HSPs are overwhelmed by sensory information, individuals with autism may experience either hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity (under-responsiveness) to sensory information.
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) : HSPs may also be mistaken as having attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). While both HSPs and people with ADHD exhibit over-responsiveness to stimuli, people with ADHD also exhibit cognitive symptoms that HSPs do not such as difficulty focusing or paying attention.

While high sensitivity is often confused with other mental health conditions, it's important to remember that high sensitivity can occur alongside other mental health conditions. For instance, a person can have ADHD and be an HSP, or have SPD and also be an HSP. A doctor can help you navigate these distinctions.

Impact of Being an HSP

Being an HSP comes with both advantages and challenges. It is possible to be too easily offended by people who mean no harm or who are trying their best to be kind. It is also possible to overreact to daily stressors or relationship issues, particularly if you become emotionally aggressive as a response.

However, being an HSP doesn’t necessarily mean that you imagine negative motives when they are not there. It is more that you perceive them more easily. Or, you may be affected more deeply by negative experiences, which is not necessarily a weakness.

Some of the ways that being an HSP might impact your life include:

You might avoid situations that leave you feeling overwhelmed . Highly sensitive people may be more affected by certain situations such as tension, violence, and conflict, which may lead them to avoid things that make them feel uncomfortable.
You might be highly touched by beauty or emotionality . Highly sensitive people tend to feel deeply moved by the beauty they see around them. They may cry while watching particularly heartwarming videos (of course, who doesn't cry at videos of dogs being reunited with their owners returning from overseas service?).
You may have particularly close relationships with others . HSPs care deeply about their friends and tend to form deep bonds with people. Again, the empathy that a highly sensitive person brings to the table is a powerful tool for being a supportive friend and loved one.
You may be grateful for the life you have . Highly sensitive people appreciate a fine wine, a good meal, or a beautiful song on a level that most people can't access. They may feel more existential angst, but they also may feel more gratitude for what they have in life, knowing that it is possibly fleeting and nothing is certain.

A major benefit of being an HSP is the ability to empathize. Empathy is a tool that can promote strong relationships and a deeply fulfilling emotional life. Of course, it's important to differentiate between your feelings and others' feelings.

All of us experience examples from the above list from time to time. For HSPs, however, lows may be lower, and highs have the potential to be higher as well. HSPs may feel a lot of the same things as everyone else—only more so.

If you know how to manage the unique features of being an HSP, you can make it more of a strength and less of a challenge in your life. To do this, it helps to understand what you’re dealing with, whether you are doing this for yourself or trying to build a deeper understanding of someone in your life who may be highly sensitive.

Not surprisingly, highly sensitive people tend to get more stressed when faced with difficult situations. They may also be stressed by things that may roll off of other people’s backs.

Social stress is perceived as more taxing to most people than other types of stress. This kind of stress can be particularly difficult for someone who can perceive many different ways that things could go wrong in a conflict, for example, or can perceive hostility or tension where others may not notice it. Specific things that can be significantly stressful for the highly sensitive include:

Hectic Schedules

Not everyone loves being too busy, but some people thrive on the excitement and exhilaration of a busy life. HPSs, on the other hand, feel overwhelmed and rattled when they have a lot to do in a short amount of time, even if they technically have enough time to get everything done if they rush.

The need to juggle the uncertainty of maybe not being able to make it all work and the pressure of such situations feels overwhelmingly stressful.

Expectations of Others

Highly sensitive people tend to pick up on the needs and feelings of others. They hate letting people down. Learning to say no is a challenge and a necessity for HSPs because they can feel crushed by the demands of others, particularly because they can feel their friends’ disappointment if HSPs need to say no.

Highly sensitive people tend to be their own worst critics. They feel responsible for the happiness of others, or at least acutely aware of it when there are negative emotions floating around.

HSPs may be more susceptible to being stressed by conflict . They may be more aware of trouble brewing in a relationship, including when things just feel a little off with someone who may not be communicating that there is a problem. This can also lead to misinterpreting unrelated signals as signs of conflict or anger.

Social Comparison

Highly sensitive people can be prone to the stress of social comparison as well. They may feel the negative feelings of the other person as well as their own feelings, and they may experience them more strongly and more deeply than others.

They may be more aware of the possibility of improvement and upset when potentially good outcomes give way to more negative outcomes through the course of a deteriorating conflict.

They may also be more upset when they realize that a relationship is over, feeling that things could have been resolved, whereas someone else may feel there is nothing that could be done and walks away.

The highly sensitive may feel the loss of a relationship more acutely as well and engage in rumination .

Tolerations

Life coaches refer to those daily energy drains that we all have as tolerations, as in things we tolerate that create stress and aren’t strictly necessary. Distractions may feel more frustrating for the HSP who is trying to concentrate, for example, or unpleasant smells in one’s environment may be felt more strongly and make relaxation more elusive for an HSP.

Highly sensitive people are more easily startled by surprises. They get “hangry” when hungry—they don’t tolerate it well. In this way, life’s daily stressors often add up to more frustration for the highly sensitive.

Personal Failures

Because HSPs are their own worst critics, they are more prone to rumination and self-doubt. They may remember for quite a while if they make an embarrassing mistake, and feel more embarrassed about it than the average person would.

They don’t like being watched and evaluated when they are attempting something challenging, and can even mess up because of the stress of being watched. They are more often perfectionists , but may also be more aware of the ways that this stress is not inevitable and of how it is affecting them.

Coping With Stress as an HSP

Finding ways to cope with life's stress can be particularly helpful if you tend to have a more sensitive personality. Much of your stress relief plan as a highly sensitive person can involve insulating yourself from too many stimuli. Put a barrier between you and sensory stimuli that feel overwhelming. Know what triggers stress in you, and learn to avoid these things.

Add positivity by creating positive experiences in your schedule to insulate you from additional stress you may encounter.
Avoid stressors like slasher movies and people who sap your positive energy, make heavy demands on you, or make you feel bad about yourself.
Learn to say no to overwhelming demands and feel OK with it, and create a perimeter in your life.
Set up a safe space . Let your home be a soothing environment .

Dr. Marschall says it's critical to protect your energy and take space when needed, and to connect with people who get you and support your needs.

Remember that your needs are important too! Many HSPs tend to push down their own emotions because other people's emotions overwhelm them. Your feelings matter too.

Being a highly sensitive person means you are more likely to feel things deeply, whether those things are positive or negative. While the highs can be joyous, the lows can present challenges that can affect your stress levels, relationships, and ability to cope. Make a plan for how you will manage your feelings in difficult situations to ensure that you don't become overwhelmed.

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By Elizabeth Scott, PhD Elizabeth Scott, PhD is an author, workshop leader, educator, and award-winning blogger on stress management, positive psychology, relationships, and emotional wellbeing.

What Is a Highly Sensitive Person? (Incl 12+ HSP Tests)

Do you know someone who is?

Did you know there is a trait characterized by sensory processing sensitivity (SPS), which identifies a highly sensitive person/personality (HSP)?

The term HSP was first coined by the psychologist Elaine Aron (1996), who is herself an HSP. She and her husband devised the Highly Sensitive Person Scale (HSPS), which spawned further research into the trait, including its neurobiological origins (Aron & Aron, 1997).

Before that, Carl Jung was the first to recognize the importance of sensitivity and believed that it played a more important role than sexuality in an individual’s susceptibility to neurosis (Aron, 2004).

In this article, we will clarify the uniqueness of a highly sensitive person, discuss whether we should view HSP as a disorder, and provide suitable tests and treatments.

Before you continue, we thought you might like to download our three Resilience Exercises for free . These engaging, science-based exercises will help you effectively deal with difficult circumstances and give you the tools to improve the resilience of your clients, students, or employees.

This Article Contains:

What is high sensitivity personality (hsp), is sensory processing sensitivity a disorder, 10 traits and symptoms of sensitive people, top 5 tests to measure sensitivity, how to treat sensory processing sensitivity, relationship between hsp, kids, and autism, 6 best books on the topic, resources from positivepsychology.com, a take-home message.

HSPs are estimated to make up 15–20% of the population when using the HSPS (Aron & Aron, 1997) to test and up to 30% of the population when using the shortened scale (SensitivityResearch.com, 2020).

When a person scores 14 or more on the 27-item HSPS (Aron & Aron, 1997), they are thought to have a highly sensitive personality. Aron’s (1996) original definition understood high sensitivity as inborn, genetic, and binomial rather than learned or existing on a spectrum. In other words, you are either born with it or you are not.

The terms HSP and SPS are often used interchangeably. In later research, Aron (2010) differentiated the HSP trait into four categories.

1. Depth of processing

HSPs process all types of information more deeply than others, are more reflective, and take longer to make decisions (Aron, 2010).

Depth of processing occurs both consciously, through analysis of information conveyed by communication in relationships, and unconsciously, through gut feelings or hunches.

2. Overarousability

HSPs notice a lot more than others in the same situation or environment, including other people’s emotions (although they may remain unexpressed), noise levels, smells, and other aspects of the environment (Aron, 2010). This can be advantageous but can also lead to overarousal and chronic stress.

3. Emotional intensity or empathy

HSPs experience strong positive and negative emotions in response to a range of pleasurable and painful stimuli (Aron, 2010). This increases their sensitivity to others’ feelings, making them very empathetic.

4. Sensory sensitivity

HSPs notice subtle environmental stimuli that other people miss. This can help protect them and others in their social group from unforeseen dangers but can also lead to problematic levels of sensitivity to foods, medicines, pain, noise, and light (Aron & Aron, 1997).

The combined effects of the trait result in empathic , conscientious, cautious individuals, who may also be sensation seeking and relish novelty (Aron, 2010). There is no correlation between the HSP trait and extroversion or introversion (Aron, 2010). However, an HSP will always carefully evaluate the risks before proceeding with an adventure, as their sensitivity counters impulsivity (Aron, 2010). HSPs tend to plan ahead and are excellent strategists.

From an evolutionary perspective, HSPs may have an oracular function in social groups due to heightened intuition and sensitivity to environmental cues (Acevedo, Jagiellowicz, Aron, Marhenke, & Aron, 2017). Highly sensitive members of around 100 animal species have been identified and often warn their group of dangers undetected by others, helping to keep them safe (Aron, Aron, & Jagiellowicz, 2012).

The HSP trait is not aligned with giftedness, which comprises only 3% of the population (Aron, 1996). However, research conducted by psychologist Elke van Hoof found that 87% of gifted people are highly sensitive (Koolhof, 2020).

HSPs also have a heightened aesthetic sense, being highly sensitive to beauty in nature and the arts (Aron, 2010). HSPs are also more disturbed by ugly or coarse stimuli than less sensitive people and avoid violent action films and news coverage (Aron, 2010). They are also more likely to have vivid dreams and have a rich inner life (Aron, 1996).

While HSPs are more distressed by negative environments than less sensitive people, they also benefit more from positive, supportive, and nurturing environments (Aron, 2010). This is especially true during childhood, but HSPs also benefit greatly from counseling and psychotherapy to overcome childhood difficulties, leading to low self-esteem (Aron, 2002).

There are cultural differences in their experiences, too. HSPs are highly valued members of societies that value reserved, cautious behavior such as China, Japan, and Sweden, but less so in bolder, competitive cultures such as Anglo-American and some European societies (Ketay et al., 2007).

Smolewska, McCabe, and Woody (2006) conducted a factor analysis of the HSPS and found it comprises three distinct factors:

Awareness of aesthetics (AES)
Low sensory threshold (LST)
Ease of excitation (EOE)

Further analysis from Smolewska et al. (2006) found that higher AES indicators bestow more positive outcomes of the trait, including a more intense perception of subtleties and empathy, while higher LST and EOE scores tend to indicate more neurotic outcomes, such as anxiety , social withdrawal, hypervigilance, and overarousal. This brings us to the next section on HSP and psychopathology.

However, SPS can be distinguished from HFA because of the presence of high levels of empathy and responsiveness to social stimuli. SPS can also be misdiagnosed as attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder but differs because HSPs can concentrate for long periods when working in a quiet environment (Reijnders-Mies, 2021).

SPS can make some people more vulnerable to anxiety and depression due to feeling poorly understood, coupled with the tendency to withdraw and self-isolate following overstimulation (Dyer, 2018). However, SPS is a trait that presents a unique set of challenges and confers some advantages both to individual HSPs and the social groups they belong to at work, at home, and in the community.

Aron (2010) states that around 50% of patients seeking psychotherapy are HSPs, often due to the difficulties they face in relationships with others who misunderstand their trait and the patient’s framing of their SPS as a set of undesirable symptoms.

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HSPs have distinct traits that could be mistaken as symptoms but do not indicate a disorder. They can include the following (Aron, 2010):

HSPs feel everything deeply and more intensely than others, whether joy or sadness, pleasure, or pain.
HSPs’ high sensitivity means they take great joy in the simple pleasures in life, making them low maintenance and easy to please.
HSPs need a lot more downtime than others, thrive in silence, and need a slower pace of life. This means taking the time to relax and process experiences is essential for their wellbeing.
HSPs take longer to make decisions than others due to the depth of information processing involved, including conducting a thorough risk assessment and proceeding with caution.
Change can pose problems for HSPs. Even positive change may result in high levels of excitement and anxiety simultaneously due to the overstimulation caused by new experiences.
HSPs can find handling conflict and criticism challenging, as they tend to have very high expectations of themselves and are hard on themselves when falling short. Others’ additional criticism can feel overwhelming.
HSPs tend to have a rich inner life, being more self-aware, creative, and insightful than less sensitive people. This is likely to draw them into exploring a spiritual path in life, especially contemplative practices like meditation . They also enjoy a deep appreciation of the arts such as painting, dance, and music.
HSPs tend to avoid the negative overarousal caused by violent films and news coverage, which almost hurts them physically.
HSPs vulnerability to overstimulation can lead to a tendency to withdraw in new or tense situations. This can lead to them being seen as shy or unsociable when many are extroverts who just need extra time alone to process things.
HSPs prefer a small social circle full of love and support, which they return in abundance due to their high levels of empathy. Letting another person in takes time, but when an HSP becomes your friend, they are loyal and supportive through thick and thin.

Take a look at this video by Psych2Go for a summary of common problems faced by HSPs.

In contrast, this TED talk from Elena Herdieckerhoff discusses the advantages of high sensitivity.

The first HSP test for adults was the HSPS devised by Aron and Aron (1997) for use by researchers.
There is also an HSP self-test for adults based on the same scale devised by Aron and Aron (1997).
A shorter self-test scale for adults has been devised by more recent research on SensitivityResearch.com.
Parents can use a specific test to assess their children for SPS based on Aron’s (2002) research on children.
There is a short self-test for children 8–18 years old on SensitivityResearch.com.

Often, highly sensitive clients will have struggled in life because of being deeply misunderstood by those around them, including their own parents during childhood. This means that some of their early needs for validation can remain unmet into adulthood, resulting in chronic self-doubt, anxiety, and even depression (Aron, 2010).

1. Psychoeducation

Remedial nurturing of those with SPS can be achieved through a combination of psychoeducational interventions, counseling, and therapy (Aron, 2010).

While those presenting with SPS in therapy may have suffered due to a lack of awareness of their trait, research shows that HSPs also benefit more from psychological support and therapy than their non-sensitive counterparts (Aron, 2010).

2. Finding balance

HSPs can be introverted or extroverted. The more outgoing sensation-seeking type will need to learn to balance novelty and overstimulation . Often the more extroverted type may have learned to dissociate from their need to rest and withdraw, while others may mask it with substance abuse that dulls the senses (Dyer, 2018).

Avoiding novelty can lead to under-stimulation, boredom, and depression in extroverts, so learning to manage overarousal is key (Dyer, 2018).

3. Meditation

Adopting a meditation practice can be very useful for managing overarousal. Taking stimulation breaks using breathwork or by walking in nature can be very helpful (Aron, 2010).

Often, just taking five minutes to practice deep breathing or sit in nature will be helpful (Aron, 2010).

4. Boundaries

Boundary setting by learning to say no comfortably is an essential life skill for managing overstimulation. If an HSP has to perform in a new setting, familiarization with the new environment prior to having to perform can help ease overarousal (Jaeger, 2005).

HSPs should be encouraged to become experts on their emotions to cultivate emotional regulation. Their acute awareness of inner bodily signals like a raised pulse, shifts in breathing, and body temperature should make this easy to master (Jaeger, 2005).

5. Emotional regulation

HSPs should pay attention to bodily discomforts such as hunger and pain and their effect on their functioning. Timely mitigation of discomfort will help them avoid the emotional dysregulation that can wreak havoc with their relationships at home and at work (Jaeger, 2005).

6. Self-confidence

HSPs should learn to trust themselves and their intuition (subconscious knowledge from subtle cues). This can help build self-confidence and enhance resilience . Self-compassion and mindfulness skills should be cultivated to support this process (Cassil, 2020).

7. Social support

Seeking social support is often very difficult for HSPs because of their over-consideration of others, conscientiousness, and perfectionism (Dyer, 2018). However, given that HSPs make such loyal friends to others, it’s useful to ask them how they would respond to a friend asking for support to help them understand that such requests are rarely burdensome (Aron, 2010).

Acevedo et al. (2017) investigated the brain circuits involved in sensory processing sensitivity and related disorders, including HSP, autism spectrum disorders (ASD), and sensory processing disorder (SPD). While ASD and HSP share a similar neurological pattern of sensory processing sensitivity, they are very different in other ways (Reijnders-Mies, 2021).

There is some risk of children with sensory processing sensitivity that leads to overarousal being misdiagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome or high-functioning ASD. However, high sensitivity may coexist with HFA or Asperger’s. HSP children will not present with the avoidance of eye contact, lack of social responsiveness, or preference for obsessive, repetitive pursuits common to children with ASD (Acevedo et al., 2017).

Acevedo, Aron, Pospos, and Jessen (2018) found that the key difference between SPS and ASD “may be the extent to which individuals find social/emotional stimuli rewarding” including their ability to behave adaptively in response to social stimuli.

HSP children will find positive social connections and social stimulation more rewarding than their non-sensitive counterparts, while ASD children have difficulties adapting to both negative and positive feedback from other people and their environment (Acevedo et al., 2018).

1. The Highly Sensitive Person: How to Thrive When the World Overwhelms You – Elaine N. Aron

This book describes how Elaine Aron, herself a highly sensitive person, identified the trait during her work as a psychology researcher and psychotherapist.

It summarizes the different indicators of the trait and discusses the strengths and vulnerabilities HSPs often face in their intimate relationships, at work, and in society in general.

Self-care strategies are recommended based on Dr. Aron’s scientific research and clinical practice.

Find the book on Amazon .

2. The Empowered Highly Sensitive Person: A Workbook to Harness Your Strengths in Every Part of Life – Amanda Cassil

Dr. Cassil is a clinical psychologist who specializes in working with HSPs.

This workbook contains lots of practical, research-based mental health exercises to help HSPs manage overstimulation, intense emotions, and relationship issues.

Dr. Cassil’s book guides HSPs on how to leverage their unique qualities for success in every area of life.

3. Psychotherapy and the Highly Sensitive Person: Improving Outcomes for That Minority of People Who Are the Majority of Clients – Elaine N. Aron

This book is aimed at clinicians working in a therapeutic capacity, as Dr. Aron’s (2010) research has found that HSPs make up the majority of psychotherapy clients.

It discusses the overlaps between sensory processing sensitivity and a range of clinical disorders, including autism, attention deficit disorder, anxiety, depression, and borderline personality disorder.

Dr. Aron draws on her research and clinical experience to guide clinicians on interventions that provide the best outcomes for HSPs, including those with mental health diagnoses. She explains how many HSPs presenting for therapy have unmet childhood needs due to their parents’ lack of understanding of the trait.

However, she assures clinicians that HSPs benefit more from psychotherapy than less sensitive clients, because of their conscientiousness, willingness to learn, and heightened awareness.

4. The Highly Sensitive Child: Helping Our Children Thrive When the World Overwhelms Them – Elaine N. Aron

In this book, Dr. Aron applies her experience to working with highly sensitive children.

She explains how, with the right parenting, HSPs can actually thrive and succeed in the world with no need for therapeutic support in later life.

5. The Highly Sensitive: How to Stop Emotional Overload, Relieve Anxiety, and Eliminate Negative Energy – Judy Dyer

Judy Dyer is an empath who provides psychological and spiritual guidance to other empaths and HSPs.

This book’s special strength is its focus on creating healthy boundaries that protect HSPs from emotional overwhelm and negative energy.

This is a useful self-help resource for HSPs who struggle with relationships of all kinds.

6. Making Work Work for the Highly Sensitive Person – Barrie Jaeger

Dr. Jaeger is a work coach and psychotherapist who specializes in supporting HSPs to thrive in their profession and in the workplace.

This book provides practical tips and techniques for HSPs to help them find rewarding, fulfilling, and meaningful work by playing to their unique strengths.

Cultivating resilience is key for an HSP, and we have many resources, including our three resilience exercises , you can download for free.

Taking up meditation is also beneficial for HSPs because it helps them to manage overarousal (Aron, 2010). To get you started, you can download our three mindfulness exercises for free .

Our Positive Psychology Toolkit© contains over 400 worksheets, tools, and exercises that are updated monthly based on the latest scientific research. Many of these resources will be especially helpful for HSPs, therapists, and counselors.

If you’re looking for more science-based ways to help others overcome adversity, check out this collection of 17 validated resilience and coping exercises . Use them to help others recover from personal challenges and turn setbacks into opportunities for growth.

17 Tools To Build Resilience and Coping Skills

Empower others with the skills to manage and learn from inevitable life challenges using these 17 Resilience & Coping Exercises [PDF] , so you can increase their ability to thrive.

Created by Experts. 100% Science-based.

Being highly sensitive is a package deal. Having an enhanced sensitivity to sensory processing can transform simple joys into ecstasies and ordinary sadness into despair.

Key to managing SPS is self-regulation by recognizing overarousal. HSPs can be a tremendous asset in any group because of their combined intuition and caution, which makes them excellent strategists, healers, and researchers of all kinds.

However, HSPs could be more prone to burnout due to the chronic stress caused by overstimulation combined with perfectionism , conscientiousness, and over-empathizing with the suffering of others.

Taking sufficient rest and factoring in downtime is essential to enhance HSPs’ strengths. For HSPs, boundary setting and learning to say no are crucial for getting the best from the package while minimizing their vulnerability.

Research into the trait as a form of neurodiversity is growing alongside specialist coaching, counseling, and therapy interventions that aim to enhance the resilience of HSPs.

We hope you enjoyed reading this article. Don’t forget to download our three Resilience Exercises for free .

Acevedo, B. P., Jagiellowicz, J., Aron, E., Marhenke, R., Aron, A., (2017). Adult sensory processing sensitivity and childhood quality’s effects on neural responses to emotional stimuli. Clinical Neuropsychiatry: Journal of Treatment Evaluation , 14 (6), 359–373.
Acevedo, B., Aron, E., Pospos, S., & Jessen, D. (2018). The functional highly sensitive brain: A review of the brain circuits underlying sensory processing sensitivity and seemingly related disorders. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B, 373 (1744).
Aron, E. (1996). The highly sensitive person. How to thrive when the world overwhelms you . Birch Lane Press.
Aron, E. (2002). The highly sensitive child: Helping our children thrive when the world overwhelms them . Harmony.
Aron, E. (2004). Revisiting Jung’s concept of innate sensitiveness. Journal of Analytical Psychology , 49 , 337–367.
Aron, E. (2010). Psychotherapy and the highly sensitive person: Improving outcomes for that minority of people who are the majority of clients . Routledge.
Aron, E., & Aron, A. (1997). Sensory-processing sensitivity and its relation to introversion and emotionality. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology , 73 , 345–368.
Aron, E., Aron, A., & Jagiellowicz, J. (2012). Sensory processing sensitivity: A review in the light of the evolution of biological responsivity. Personality and Social Psychology Review 16 (3), 262–282.
Cassil, A. (2020). The empowered highly sensitive person: A workbook to harness your strengths in every part of life . Rockbridge Press.
Dyer, J. (2018). The highly sensitive: How to stop emotional overload, relieve anxiety, and eliminate negative energy . Pristine.
Jaeger, B. (2005). Making work work for the highly sensitive person . McGraw-Hill Education.
Ketay, S., Hedden, T., Aron, A., Aron, E., Markus, H., & Gabrieli, G. (2007). The personality/temperament trait of high sensitivity: fMRI evidence for independence of cultural context in attentional processing . Presented at the Society for Personality and Social Psychology, Memphis, TN.
Koolhof, K. (2020, April 7). The link between highly gifted and HSP . Quiet quality. Retrieved November 7, 2021, from https://quietquality.org/en/blog/link-between-highly-gifted-and-hsp
Reijnders-Mies, N. (2021, March 11). Highly sensitive person and autism: What is the difference? Hi Sensitives . Retrieved November 4, 2021, from https://hisensitives.com/blog/highly-sensitive-person-and-autism/
SensitivityResearch.com. (2020). Test for adults (18+) . Retrieved November 6, 2021, from https://sensitivityresearch.com/self-tests/adult-self-test/
Smolewska, K. A., McCabe, S. B., & Woody, E. Z. (2006). A psychometric evaluation of the Highly Sensitive Person Scale: The components of sensory-processing sensitivity and their relation to the BIS/BAS and ‘‘Big Five’’. Personality and Individual Differences, 40 , 1269–1279.

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What our readers think.

Great information! It struck me recently… I’ve spent most of my career in a very technical professional environment, where emotional “sensitivity” is often viewed or perceived as a weakness or flaw. And yet, many of those who have that belief, also hold sensitive instrumentation in high esteem. Imagine if we viewed HSPs as sensitive instruments, capable of detecting the most subtle intricacies in interaction… Ah, what a world it would be!

Jo Nash, thanks for this information. I would like to know if you have any article about extra sensory perception?

Thank you for your comment! Currently, we do not have an article about extra-sensory perception. However, this paper might interest you.

Kind regards, -Caroline | Community Manager

Jo this messages was awesome. Have learn a lot from it Excellent thank you.

Excellent and insightful

Thank you for explaining the HSP traits and reactions to life. The tests confirmed I am a HSP which has given a lot of clarity to my life experiences including career burnout. Pushing myself, too hard, too long, too often based on striving for work deadlines set by others, combined with my own high standards of conscientiousness and perfection added to the situation.

Dear Jo, most helpful. Do you have any information about HSP and Psychic Ability & Telepathy and how this might be managed.

Interesting question! There’s definitely less out there in terms of academic papers on this — most work appears to stem from spiritual and Eastern traditions. One book that’s received many positive reviews on Amazon is this one by Sanaya Roman , so perhaps this might help you!

– Nicole | Community Manager

This information was amazing and put together really well. Thank you

Thank you so mucn for this useful information, it helped me to know my daughter better since she is a HSP.

Thank you so much this is so revealing!

this is a grateful job. especially for those like us who don’t have enough resources or professional service.

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What Is a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP)?

Olivia Guy-Evans, MSc

Associate Editor for Simply Psychology

BSc (Hons) Psychology, MSc Psychology of Education

Olivia Guy-Evans is a writer and associate editor for Simply Psychology. She has previously worked in healthcare and educational sectors.

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Saul Mcleod, PhD

Editor-in-Chief for Simply Psychology

BSc (Hons) Psychology, MRes, PhD, University of Manchester

Saul Mcleod, PhD., is a qualified psychology teacher with over 18 years of experience in further and higher education. He has been published in peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of Clinical Psychology.

A Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) is an individual who perceives and processes sensory information intensely, exhibits profound emotional responses, demonstrates heightened empathy, requires periods of seclusion for relief, and typically avoids distressing situations.

According to Dr. Julie Smith, a clinical psychologist, these are the signs and characteristics of a highly sensitive person:

Highly sensitive people (HSPs) know subtleties in their environment that other people don’t pick up on.

HSPs feel deeply affected by the moods of other people around them.

When people try to get them to do too many things at once, they quickly become overwhelmed by all the demands.

In noisy, crowded, or busy environments, they might feel the need to withdraw and get relief from the stimulation of those surroundings.

HSPs dislike change and tend to avoid having a lot going on due to the strong emotions associated with it.
When they have to compete or perform in front of other people, they become so nervous that it negatively impacts their performance.

HSPs might feel deeply moved by art or music.

When other people are uncomfortable in a physical environment, HSPs tend to be in tune with that and often know what needs to be done to make them feel comfortable again.

A highly sensitive person will also tend to be deeply affected by violent movies or the distress of other people because they take it on board and spend a lot of time processing it.

They might also make it a priority to avoid anything upsetting.

A highly sensitive person (HSP) is thought to have increased or deeper central nervous system (CNS) sensitivity to multiple stimuli, whether physical, emotional, environmental, or social.

The term was coined by psychologist Elaine Aron in the mid-1990s, with interest in the concept growing ever since.

According to Aron’s theory, HSPs are a prevalent subgroup of the population who display increased emotional sensitivity and stronger reactivity to external and internal stimuli than the rest of the population.

They tend to notice more subtle stimuli in their environment and are more easily aroused by this. In addition, they also respond to a lower threshold of stimuli. HSPs may, for instance, be more sensitive to pain, hunger, lights, and noises. They are also defined as having a complex and deeper inner life.

In literature, HSP is often referred to as sensory processing sensitivity (SPS), which is not to be confused with sensory processing disorder, a condition that affects how the brain processes sensory information.

HSP is not a diagnosable condition , instead, it is believed to be a personality trait that involves increased responsiveness to both positive and negative influences.

HSPs are thought to have both strengths and challenges. They may be able to pick up on small environmental changes and provide responsive care to others, which can prove useful.

However, they may also find that they can get easily overwhelmed by environmental stimuli and get easily upset, which may prove distressing to the individual.

HSP has often been considered as interchangeable with other personality factors, such as introversion and neuroticism . However, Aron maintained that HSP is a separate trait and there are little-to-no relations to other personality traits.

How common are highly sensitive people?

Since Aron conceived the concept of what it means to be an HSP, more and more people have been identifying themselves as highly sensitive.

It is believed that HSPs are not rare, and that about 15-20% of the population are thought to be an HSP.

There are also thought to be no significant differences in sex, with equal numbers of males and females being an HSP. Being an HSP is an innate trait, with biologists finding high sensitivity in over 100 species. This trait is thought to reflect a certain type of survival strategy in many species, such as being observant before acting.

Whilst a moderate percentage of the population are HSPs, there are still more people who are not. Many societies tend to be built to accommodate people who notice things a little less and are affected less deeply.

This can mean that sensitivity is valued differently in different cultures. In cultures where HSPs are not valued so much, these individuals may have lower self-esteem , especially if they are often told they are being ‘too sensitive’ or are told they need to not take everything to heart.

HSPs, in many instances, may feel as if there is something wrong with them for being highly sensitive.

How do you know if you’re a highly sensitive person?

Highly dislike violence

Whilst it is typical to dislike violence, for HSPs, they are likely to be more distressed or deeply disturbed by violence. Even hearing about violence or cruelty can be extremely upsetting for them.

HSPs will likely make effort to avoid situations where they may witness violence such as avoiding certain movies, TV shows, or hearing stories of animal cruelty.

Emotional responsiveness and empathy

This is the emotional responsiveness to other people.

HSPs tend to experience other people’s emotions. HSPs may enter a room and immediately be aware of the mood of the people present.

This is because HSPs are sensitive to subtleties such as facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice.

Being able to tap into other people’s feelings at a deeper level is a huge strength, especially for creative work or work involving people. However, it comes with the vulnerability of potentially feeling the distress of others deeply.

Their own mood can change to mirror the people in their surroundings which can often feel emotionally exhausting.

Often feel overstimulated

HSPs might notice small details that other people don’t, which is a wonderful thing when those details make life beautiful. However, processing all that extra information means that they need to rest from the world periodically.

Since HSPs are very sensitive to environmental stimuli, they can become overwhelmed by sensory stimuli such as noises, bright lights, the fabric of clothes, and strong smells.

They may find it hard to concentrate if there is a lot going on in their environment.

Often withdraw

HSPs may often require a lot of downtime, usually on their own in a place which is comforting to them.

They may feel more of a need to withdraw after a particularly stimulating day so they can recharge and lower their stimulation levels.

Startle easily

Many HSPs have a highly sensitive ‘startle reflex’ and find that if someone sneaks up on them or there is a loud noise, they are more likely to be very startled.

This may be because, even in non-threatening situations, their CNS is very sensitive and can react as if there is a danger.

A vivid imagination

Since HSPs think and process things deeply, they often have a rich and complex inner world.

They often have deep thoughts and strong feelings to go with them, as well as having vividly realistic dreams. As a child, they may have had imaginary friends, enjoyed fantasy-based play, and daydreamed.

Deeply moved by beauty

HSPs are likely to have a deeper emotional response to beauty, such as artwork, music, and fine food.

They may have a deeper appreciation of life and find it hard to understand how other people are not as moved as they are.

As HSPs are more likely to notice subtleties in the environment, they may be seen as perceptive and insightful.

This may make them better at solving problems or able to adapt to more situations due to noticing thing that others may not.

Strong emotional responses

HSPs have stronger emotional responses , both positively and negatively. This means they feel higher levels of joy and happiness, but easily upset at times of sadness.

They may also get angry when they are hungry or feel hurt when criticized.

Impact of being a highly sensitive person

Brain model and different emotions drawn on notes.

Through understanding how to manage the features of being an HSP, people can make this trait more of a strength and less of a challenge.

Below are some of the ways in which being an HSP can have an impact on life:

Social impact

HSPs may have close relationships with others. This could be because they come across as caring people as they know what needs to be done to make situations better for others.

They have the capacity to be empathetic, care deeply for others and form deep bonds. On the other hand, HSPs may demonstrate seemingly inappropriate responses to social situations such as being overly emotional or being too easily offended by people who meant no harm.

They may also have relationship issues, especially if the HSP becomes emotionally aggressive as a response to insults or criticism.

Environmental impact

HSPs may find great enjoyment in many stimulating environmental experiences such as art, music, and human connection. They may also seek out pleasurable stimuli such as soft fabrics, a fine meal, or being in a favorite location such as in nature.

However, they may find they become easily uncomfortable to certain environmental stimuli and avoid situations which can leave them feeling overwhelmed.

Moreover, they may seemingly overreact to daily stressors or struggle to adapt to new circumstances.

Emotional impact

For HSPs, they can face a combination of emotional highs and emotional lows. They may be highly touched by beauty or other people’s emotions.

They may cry when watching heart-warming or sad videos. HSPs may also appreciate the small things in life and may be very grateful for the life they have.

Whilst they can be highly affected by positive emotional experiences, they may also be more deeply affected by negative experiences.

Aron summarizes the aspects of high sensitivity through the acronym DOES:

D – Depth of processing. This means that things are thought through more thoroughly and how it can affect others, with lots of time needed to think about life and how the HSP feels about it.

O – Overstimulation. This is when HSPs get overstimulated by stimuli such as noise and lights. They may need a lot of time to recharge after being stimulated and may actively avoid unpleasant stimuli.

E – Emotional reactivity and empathy. Not to be confused with being an empath, HSPs can know how someone is feeling, can sense other’s moods and hate conflict.

S – Sensing the subtle. HSPs are able to notice small changes in people and their environment. They can often sense when someone is upset and change their behavior to make the other person more comfortable.

Potential pitfalls

Struggle with a busy life.

While many people may thrive on the excitement of a busy life with hectic schedules, HSPs feel overwhelmed when they have a lot to do in a short amount of time.

Even if they know they have enough time to get everything done, the pressure of deadlines can feel overwhelmingly stressful.

HSPs may even feel annoyed or irritable if they have too many things to do at once.

On busy days, they may find a strong need to withdraw into bed or a darkened room where they can decompress and hide from the stimulation.

Difficulty with boundaries

Since HSPs tend to pick up on the needs and feelings of others, especially when there are negative emotions. They with often offer to help others and can come across as very considerate, wanting to help everyone and saying yes to everything for fear of disappointing others.

Learning to set boundaries and say no to others is a challenge for them even if they feel overwhelmed by the demands of others.

The consideration of HSPs can make them a target for people to take advantage of as often the HSP will help others out to avoid confrontations and keep the peace.

HSPs may be sacrificing their own happiness and time to help others, so their own needs are being neglected as a result.

HSPs may be more prone to feeling stressed as a result of any conflict. They may be more likely to pick up on any cues in their relationships that feel a bit ‘off’ and have worries that their relationship is in trouble.

They may also misinterpret signals in social situations as being a sign of conflict or anger. Another person in a social situation may have meant no offense and come from a place of kindness, however the HSP may misjudge this negatively which can cause tension.

Social comparison

HSPs may compare themselves to others in social situations. They might not understand why other people are not reacting as strongly or deeply as they are, which could result in making comparisons such as believing there is something wrong with them.

They may believe they are being ‘too sensitive’ or that other people are being insensitive. If a relationship ends, they may find they are more upset than the other person.

They may ruminate over what happened and feel that things could have been resolved, whereas the other person may believe nothing more could have been done.

Energy drains

HSPs may find that, throughout the day, there are many stressors, which may be small for most people, but affect them deeply. They may find it hard to relax or concentrate on a task if there is harsh lighting, strong smells, or too much noise.

They may not be able to tolerate being hungry and this can even make them irritable or angry. They are also more sensitive to pain so this may also make it difficult to complete tasks.

They may experience short temper and headaches because of being over-stimulated, leaving them feeling drained. This can be a problem when it causes issues at school or work.

Self-critical

HSPs tend to be their own worst critic and will be overly critical and ruminate about many small things that they did. They are often perfectionists and if they make mistakes, they can recall these for a long time afterwards, feeling more embarrassed by them than others would.

They also may not like being watched and evaluated, especially when doing something challenging, for fear of making mistakes.

They may give themselves a lot of negative self-talk and try to avoid any mistakes at all.

Attractive to narcissists

AS HSPs are always wanting to please others and tend to have a caring nature, this can make them more attractive to narcissists, who may want to exploit their sensitivity.

HSPs may be more susceptible to gaslighting , especially if a narcissist tells them they are overreacting, being too sensitive, or that they need to not take everything so seriously.

The HSP may be more likely to believe the narcissist and be shamed for their sensitivity.

The HSP may be stuck in a cycle of trying to please the narcissist. Their sensitivity, which is often seen as a weak trait to others, can be weaponized by the narcissist.

Thriving as a Highly sensitive person

Although there may be times when things an get overwhelming and stressful due to being highly sensitive, being sensitive should not be viewed as a negative trait.

The highs of life can bring more joyful experiences and happiness than someone who is not an HSP. Finding ways to cope with the stress when it does come can be helpful for those with sensitive personalities.

There are some tips that HSPs can utilize to make help limit the negative experience and fuel the positives.

Knowing the triggers

By trying to find out what is causing stress and feelings of being overwhelmed, HSPs can learn to avoid these.

Whilst some stressors cannot always be avoided in every instance, a lot can be controlled for. For instance, if a person knows that violent movies make them feel stressed, these should be easy to avoid.

Add positivity

If the HSP knows that they are going to have a highly-stimulating day, which they cannot avoid, they can make sure they dedicate some time to doing an activity that they enjoy, so that the stress does not become overwhelming.

This can even include simple rest breaks of not doing anything, so that the person has time to recharge.

Learn to say no

Whilst it may feel unnatural to create boundaries with others, it is important to say no sometimes if the person’s own happiness and peace are being sacrificed for others’ needs.

Deciding what can reasonably be done and what cannot be done can help with choosing what to do for others. It is likely that other people do not realize that the HSP is feeling overwhelmed from their demands and would not want them to suffer because of their own actions.

Set up a relaxing atmosphere

When things get inevitably too hectic, it can be really beneficial for the HSP to have a place that they can retreat to when they need to relax.

This place can be at home, in a bedroom, or at a park. As long as the place is somewhere where the HSP can truly relax and recharge when things become too stimulating.

Use sensitivity as an advantage

If the HSP finds pleasure in art or nice smells for instance, they can make sure to spend some time partaking in activities that they find pleasurable, so they are making the most of their sensitivity.

Educate others

Explaining to others about HSPs and what this mean can help them to understand what is too stimulating, and so they can make a conscious effort to make their presence or the environment more comfortable for the person.

Break things down

When given a long list of tasks to complete, it may be helpful to break these down into manageable bits. This could include writing a to-do list and dedicating a set amount of time for each one so the person can work out what they can reasonably get done in the time they have.

Being kind to the self

Being highly sensitive may mean that the HSP is overly critical of themselves and their actions. However, the negative self-talk can be invalidating and is not helpful nor supportive.

The HSP should remember that they are not responsible for everyone else’s happiness, and if someone is upset, they should not blame themselves if they did not directly cause the sadness.

It is not possible to make everyone happy all the time and the feelings and emotions of others cannot always be controlled.

Am I Highly Sensitive? Quiz

Answer the following questions on a scale of 1-5 to determine your sensitivity level.

When listening to moving music or watching an emotional movie scene, how deeply does it affect you?

1 – Not at all 2 – Slightly moved 3 – Moderately moved 4 – Very moved 5 – Extremely moved

When someone startles you or there is a loud noise, how intensely do you react?

1 – No reaction 2 – Minimal reaction 3 – Moderate reaction 4 – Strong reaction 5 – Extremely strong reaction

How much effort do you make to avoid news, movies or conversations containing violence, cruelty or emotional turmoil?

1 – No extra effort 2 – A little effort 3 – Moderate effort 4 – Very high effort 5 – Will go to great lengths to avoid

In busy public spaces with significant sensory stimuli, do you quickly feel overwhelmed?

1 – Never overwhelmed 2 – Occasionally overwhelmed 3 – Sometimes overwhelmed 4 – Frequently overwhelmed 5 – Always overwhelmed

Do intricate visual details, textures, colors or aesthetics catch your eye and provide pleasure?

1 – Rarely notice extra details 2 – Occasionally notice and enjoy subtleties 3 – Sometimes appreciate finer nuances 4 – Often find delight in little things 5 – Extra details always enhance experience

Do you get more emotionally reactive like irritation or tears when tired or hungry?

1 – No change when tired/hungry 2 – Low additional emotional reactivity 3 – Some increased intensity felt 4 – Markedly increased reactivity 5 – Extremely heightened emotional reactions

After busy social interaction or sensory stimulation, how much alone time do you need to recharge?

1 – Very little or no need to recharge alone 2 – Some alone time provides relief 3 – Moderate solitude for recharging needed 4 – Strong desire to retreat and decompress 5 – Very extended alone time essential after stimulus

7-14: Less sensitive

15-21: Average sensitivity

22-28: Heightened sensitivity

29-35: Very high sensitivity.

Please note this is just to get a general idea of sensitivity and not a diagnostic tool. Elaine Aron has a HSP quiz on the following website.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is high sensitivity measured.

Aron developed a personality questionnaire to help people identify whether they have HSP traits. This is known as Aron’s Highly Sensitive Persons Scale (HSPS).

Some example questions on this scale include: ‘I am easily overwhelmed by strong sensory input’, ‘I startle easily’, and ‘I make a point to avoid violent movies and TV shows.’

How can I deal with someone who is an HSP?

It is important to accept that being a HSP is a part of a person’s temperament and likely cannot change.

Ensure the person has space to feel safe if they have become overwhelmed, encourage self-care activities, and search for the strengths in their sensitivity to foster the relationship and help the person thrive.

Try not to criticize them for being sensitive, do not rush them to complete tasks, and try not to overload them with information.

Is a HSP always introverted?

HSPs are often labeled as shy since they tend to look and consider before entering new situations.

However, being an HSP is thought to be innate, whilst shyness is learned. Aron suggests that around 30% of HSPs are extroverts, so whilst a lot of HSPs are introverted, a large proportion are not.

Are HSPs the same as empaths?

Whilst HSPs and empaths may share similar traits, such as having a low threshold for stimulation and a need for time alone, empaths have the capacity to internalize the feelings and pain of others.

Empaths can have trouble distinguishing someone else’s discomfort from their own and the way they absorb emotions typically makes them very caring and understanding people.

Whereas an HSP will be more quickly overstimulated and can feel emotionally drained from being around others in a poorer mood.

Is HSP a diagnosable condition?

According to Aron, being an HSP is not a mental health disorder. Rather, it is defined like other aspects of personality, that being a trait that exists in everyone to varying degrees.

Is HSP a form of Autism?

There are some similarities between HSP and Autism. They can both involve extreme sensitivity to the environment, getting overwhelmed by emotional stimuli, and both can come with the advantages of creativity and noticing connections that others may miss.

Despite this, they are different. Autistic individuals tend to have ‘social difficulties’, whereas this is not a trait of HSPs, who are usually highly responsive to social cues.

The HSP brain also shows higher than typical levels of activity in areas related to calmness, hormonal balance, self-control, and self-reflective thinking.

This contrasts with Autistic brains, which were found to be less active in those brain regions related to calmness, emotion, and sociability.

What Does It Mean To Be a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP)?

Understanding High Sensitivity
Is It a Disorder?

Advantages and Disadvantages

fizkes / Getty Images

Research predicts that nearly 20% of the global population is a highly sensitive person (HSP). The term was coined by psychologists Elaine Aron and Arthur Aron to describe people with sensory processing sensitivity (SPS). People with SPS have increased sensitivity to sensory information in their environment, making them more aware of stimuli (or, things that stimulate or trigger your senses) such as sound , movement, and the emotions of others.

Being an HSP can affect how you move through the world. You might feel frequently overstimulated, have a greater awareness of your environment, and develop a deeper appreciation of beauty. If you are an HSP, understanding your strengths and challenges can help you navigate your surroundings with more ease.

What Makes Someone an HSP?

People are constantly processing stimuli in their environment—noticing sounds, taking in messages, and analyzing the people around them both consciously and unconsciously. However, HSPs have an increased sensitivity to their surroundings that goes beyond simply noticing things in their environment. Researchers Aron and Aron named four important elements that make someone an HSP:

Depth of processing: HSPs don’t just notice more, they actually process information more deeply. This includes experiencing high levels of empathy , intense feelings for others, an active imagination or inner world, and profound thoughtfulness .
Overstimulation: Oftentimes, this extra and deeper processing can easily lead to overstimulation. HSPs show stronger arousal in daily situations, which may cause them to become stressed and overwhelmed more frequently.
Emotional intensity: HSPs experience a larger spectrum of emotional intensity, meaning they have more intense negative and positive emotions. They may feel higher highs and lower lows.
Sensory sensitivity: It's common for HSPs to have a lower tolerance for high levels of sensory input. This includes having a low pain threshold , but also the ability to notice subtle differences in their environment.

Why Some People Are Highly Sensitive

Sensory processing sensitivity (SPS) is a biologically-based trait, meaning it’s something you’re born with. Research on brain scans shows that HSPs have greater activation in brain regions that are associated with perception and empathy, as well as stronger responses to pleasant and unpleasant stimuli.

Studies suggest that SPS is an evolutionarily helpful trait. This means that people with SPS have a heightened sensitivity to their surroundings, which can help increase their chances of survival. There is also evidence that SPS is inheritable and passed on from parents to their children.

HSP traits are often more noticeable in childhood. In fact, the environment a highly sensitive child grows up in can affect how this trait develops. For example, in an unsupportive environment, a highly sensitive child might develop harmful behaviors or beliefs that lead to challenges as an adult.

Is HSP A Disorder?

Having sensory processing sensitivity is a trait, not a disorder. While high sensitivity often links to characteristics like introversion , neuroticism , and openness, being an HSP is a distinct personality trait. For example, while some introverts are HSPs, not all HSPs are introverts.

However, HSPs may share overlapping features with some health conditions such as:

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Generalized anxiety disorder
Autism spectrum disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Sensory processing disorder

It's important to note that distinguishing between these conditions and HSP can be tricky. For instance, being hypersensitive to your environment can look like being distracted (a symptom of ADHD ) or experiencing hyperawareness (a symptom of anxiety ).

However, there are key differences between being an HSP and living with a certain condition. These include:

Sensory processing disorder vs HSP: People with sensory processing disorder have trouble processing and analyzing stimuli. While HSPs are hypersensitive to their environment, there is no issue with how they are able to process stimuli.
ADHD vs HSP: Though ADHD can cause some heightened sensory sensitivity, HSPs don't experience other symptoms of ADHD like impulsivity and trouble focusing .
Autism vs HSP: While both those on the autism spectrum and HSPs may feel overwhelmed by stimuli, HSPs don't experience social difficulties and developmental delays that people with autism typically do.

Keep in mind: HSPs can also have mental health conditions alongside their heightened sensitivity. If you think you or a loved one may have symptoms of a separate health condition, it's good practice to contact your healthcare provider for support and diagnosis.

Signs of a Highly Sensitive Person

Aron and Aron created the Highly Sensitive Person Scale (HSPS) to measure sensory processing sensitivity. You can view the full 27-question scale here . Based on this scale, you may be an HSP if you:

Become easily overwhelmed by strong sensory input (e.g., bright lights and strong smells)
Notice subtle changes in your environment
Feel other people's moods
Are sensitive to pain
Need alone time to recharge after a busy day
Find yourself daydreaming often and have a vivid imagination
Are deeply moved by art and music
Often avoid violent movies or TV shows
Get stressed out or overwhelmed while multitasking

There are both strengths and challenges that come with being an HSP. Childhood experiences, environmental factors, and the quality of your support system can all affect your quality of life as an HSP.

For example, if you grew up in an invalidating environment, you might have a negative self-view related to your sensory sensitivity. Additionally, big life changes like becoming a parent or moving can be extra difficult for HSPs. Other potential disadvantages of being an HSP include:

Being at an increased risk of experiencing anxious thoughts and depressive moods
Avoiding places or situations that you find overwhelming
Experiencing higher levels of stress in daily life and during major life changes due to being easily overwhelmed
Trouble making quick decisions, working under pressure, or thinking on their feet
Having a higher risk of living with health conditions such as migraine or chronic pain due to having a low pain tolerance

Despite these challenges, there are also many advantages of being an HSP, including:

Having strong attention to detail
Making thoughtful decisions
Being considerate of other people's wants and needs
Developing deep and meaningful relationships with others due to having high levels of empathy
Appreciating beauty (e.g., music, art, nature) more deeply and being highly creative
Experiencing more pronounced feelings of joy , excitement, and love

Tips for Living as an HSP

Being highly sensitive to your environment and the people around you can sometimes pose its own unique challenges. But, there are several ways to maximize the benefits of being an HSP. Making the following accommodations to your environment and routines can help reduce some of the disadvantages:

Adjust your environment: Make environments you can control as sensory-friendly as possible. Consider elements like lighting, color choices, and sound. If you can, make your home a safe haven and fill it with decorations and art you’ll find value in.
Give yourself time to recharge: As an HSP, you might need more time to recharge than others. This could look like carving out alone time after a busy day or being mindful to schedule downtime in between tasks.
Practice acceptance and mindfulness: Research shows that acceptance and mindfulness can help reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression associated with being an HSP. Acceptance can look like not judging your own sensitivities. Practicing mindfulness or meditation can help you manage sensory overload.
Choose loved ones wisely: Since HSPs have high levels of empathy, it can be especially important to be mindful of who you spend time with. Be sure to prioritize relationships where there is mutual support and let supportive people in your life know what you need when you feel overwhelmed.
Don’t be afraid to say “no”: Avoid taking on more than you're comfortable with and don't be afraid to set boundaries. While it can be difficult to say no to people you care about, it's important to also prioritize your own well-being and needs.

A Quick Review

Highly sensitive people have an increased sensitivity to their surroundings. While being an HSP is not a disorder, it can affect your mental health, your relationships, and how you move through the world. Unfortunately, this extra sensitivity can often lead to overstimulation and high levels of stress.

But, HSPs also have their own set of unique strengths. Those who are highly sensitive tend to be more attuned to the emotions of others, have high levels of empathy, and deeply appreciate art and beauty. Life as an HSP may seem overwhelming, but adjusting your environment, giving yourself time to recharge, and practicing acceptance and mindfulness can help you better navigate your world.

Boterberg S, Warreyn P. Making sense of it all: The impact of sensory processing sensitivity on daily functioning of children . Personality and Individual Differences . 2016;92:80-86. doi:10.1016/j.paid.2015.12.022

Panagiotidi M, Overton PG, Stafford T. The relationship between sensory processing sensitivity and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder traits: A spectrum approach . Psychiatry Research . 2020;293:113477. doi:10.1016/j.psychres.2020.113477

Aron EN, Aron A, Nardone N, Zhou S. Sensory processing sensitivity and the subjective experience of parenting: An exploratory study . Family Relations . 2019;68(4):420-435. doi:10.1111/fare.12370

Greven CU, Lionetti F, Booth C, et al. Sensory processing sensitivity in the context of environmental sensitivity: A critical review and development of research agenda . Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews . 2019;98:287-305. doi:10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.01.009

Listou Grimen H, Diseth Å. Sensory processing sensitivity: Factors of the highly sensitive person scale and their relationships to personality and subjective health complaints . Perceptual and Motor Skills . 2016;123(3):637-653. doi:10.1177/0031512516666114

APA Dictionary of Psychology. Sensory integration dysfunction .

The Highly Sensitive Person. Are you highly sensitive?

How to Communicate with a Highly Sensitive Person

Myers Briggs
Parenting, Family and Friends

It can be difficult to know how to communicate with a highly sensitive person , or HSP. It can be especially challenging if you’ve never had to do it before and have no experience navigating the potentially rocky waters.

The good news is that once you learn how to communicate with a highly sensitive person, you could be rewarded with one of the most satisfying and fulfilling relationships you’ve ever had. Highly sensitive people possess some outstanding qualities, including warmth, compassion, great listening skills, and an attention to detail that is all too rare.

For these reasons and more, having an HSP as a friend, partner, or trusted confidante can be an extraordinary and uplifting experience.

The Characteristics of a Highly Sensitive Person

The highly sensitive person is deeply immersed in everything happening around them. But the fit is not always comfortable.

High levels of sensory stimulation bother them, so they feel ill at ease in environments saturated with loud noise, flashing or bright lights, people in constant motion, or strong odors. They are appalled by conflict and will try to avoid it at all costs. If they see other people arguing, they will begin planning their escape from the room almost immediately.

On the personal side, HSPs are extremely sensitive to any statements or actions they interpret as insulting, demeaning, or dismissive. They can take offense or become embarrassed easily, and they may stay hurt for quite some time if they believe someone has slighted them, mocked them, or ignored their concerns or feelings.

As you can see, there are some minefields to avoid if you want to become acquainted with an HSP. The good news is that highly sensitive people are not reclusive or antisocial; they want to communicate and make friends. Consequently, their sensitivities aren’t obstacles that you’ll have to struggle to overcome, but factors you’ll have to be alert to and take seriously if you want to eventually be accepted into their circle of cherished companions.

And that circle can be a warm and welcoming place to enter. Highly sensitive people are deeply empathic and compassionate and are the type who will always be there for friends and family members when they need help or support. Once they’ve accepted you as a friend, an HSP will be available any time of day or night. They are loyal and loving, and they will stand by you during your darkest hours.

When first getting to know a highly sensitive person, you may have to be more self-aware and conscious than you normally are in social situations. But in the end you won’t regret the effort it took to make an HSP a permanent part of your life.

With Highly Sensitive People, the Environment is Everything

You may be able to carry out a conversation in just about any setting and still feel comfortable. But the highly sensitive person is not so fortunate.

If the environment is noisy, too brightly lit, or chaotic and filled with movement, an HSP will feel uncomfortable and distracted. They also don’t like to be surrounded by large groups of people having many different conversations, as the cacophony of voices will assault their senses and leave them feeling anxious and overwhelmed. If someone tries to speak to them in such a setting, they won’t be able to concentrate and will struggle to pay attention, which will make meaningful conversation (or even casual conversation) almost impossible.

It's a waste of time to approach a highly sensitive person socially in this type of environment. They won’t comprehend what you’re trying to say and won’t feel up to participating in the discussion you’re trying to start. In fact, they may even become irritated with you, feeling that you’re insensitive for not noticing their discomfort or for not acknowledging or respecting their feelings.

In reality, such a situation offers you a golden opportunity to make a good impression. You can do that by providing them with an excuse to make their escape. You can suggest the two of you go elsewhere, to a place that’s quiet and peaceful so you can continue your conversation without distraction or interruption. This can be a public place, since you may not know your prospective HSP friend well enough to suggest a private location.

If you interact with them in this way, a highly sensitive person will appreciate your empathy and concern for their wellbeing. If they do agree to leave and continue the interaction somewhere else, your conversation is likely to be quite friendly and productive.

Body Language and the Highly Sensitive Person

Highly sensitive people are often reserved when speaking with someone new. But in every circumstance they communicate eloquently and prodigiously through body language. They constantly send out signals that will let you know if they’re feeling overwhelmed or uncomfortable in your presence, or by a particular environment. If you pay close attention to an HSP’s body language it can help shape your efforts to communicate, since you’ll have an easier time tuning in to their emotional frequencies.

If you notice a highly sensitive person looking down or away, fidgeting, blushing, keeping their arms or legs crossed, frequently checking their watches or glancing at the nearest door, or having any other reaction that suggests discomfort, you should assume they really are uncomfortable and that you’re reading the clues right.

Next, you’ll have to figure out the cause of their disquiet. It could be the chaotic environment if there’s a lot of sound, movement, or noise. It could be the topic of conversation, or something you said they found offensive or that made them feel judged or embarrassed. It could also be something they’re worried or agitated about that has nothing to do with you.

If you encounter a fidgety or anxious HSP, there are several things you can try. You can change the topic to something light and fun. You can pause the conversation and move on, letting them know you’d like to speak to them again later. You could suggest continuing the conversation outside, in the hallway, or in the next room.

Conversely, you can also stop talking for a while and ask them a question, or for their opinion. This will give them the opportunity to take control of the conversation for a while. They can then take it in a new direction if they found the previous subject matter unappealing, or end it altogether if they feel the need to leave.

Tailoring Your Communication Style to the Highly Sensitive Person’s Needs

As you contemplate how to communicate with a highly sensitive person, you should reflect not just on their tendencies, but on yours as well.

If you have an open, outgoing, and friendly communication style, you might scare an HSP off if you come on too strong. HSPs are put off when people they don’t know well start asking a lot of personal questions, sharing gossip about mutual acquaintances, regaling them with humorous anecdotes that skew to the risqué side, or telling them all about their life stories. They also don’t like being teased by people they’ve just met. They will usually interpret this as mocking or thinly-veiled hostility.

Highly sensitive people aren’t judgmental, in most instances. But if they think you’re too blunt, abrasive, or pushy, based on a bad first impression, they will distance themselves from you quickly and be very reluctant to give you a second chance.

Another thing you should realize is that highly sensitive people have an extreme dislike of conflict, or anything that resembles conflict. You may be the type of person who enjoys a friendly debate, but if you try to draw an HSP into this type of conversation without their consent, you’ll drive them away at stunning speed.

Interestingly, they may be just as put off if they catch you overcompensating. In other words, if you treat them like they’re made of fragile crystal and will break into pieces at the slightest provocation, they will interpret that as condescending and likely won’t want anything to do with you.

HSPs simply want to be treated with respect, as they define it. If you make a sincere effort to do that, they will notice and give you credit, and be more than willing to forgive you when you commit the occasional faux pas.

Want to Know How to Communicate with a Highly Sensitive Person? Ask an HSP

Once you get to know your HSP friend better, you should be able to talk to them honestly about their preferences and personality. You can ask them specific questions about their sensitivities, while making it clear you’re doing so out of your concern for their welfare and because you want to know them better.

When you ask them questions in a friendly manner and show a genuine interest and curiosity about their lives, highly sensitive people will usually respond honestly and forthrightly. They may give you more detailed information about their mental, emotional, and physical triggers and vulnerabilities, and share fascinating anecdotes that illustrate how their sensitivities have impacted their life.

Highly sensitive people actually appreciate the chance to talk about their feelings, experiences, and expectations, if they know the person on the other end of the conversation is truly interested and sympathetic. Once this has happened you’ll be free to share similar details with them about your life, knowing that they will be empathetic and compassionate and appreciate your openness.

Conversations that give highly sensitive people a chance to explain themselves can deepen your relationship. They can also provide you with insights about how to communicate with a highly sensitive person that you won't find in any book or on a website. Your HSP friend will be able to give you an insider’s view on how highly sensitive people experience the world and their interactions with others, revealing hidden truths they’re now willing to disclose because you’ve earned their trust.

Nathan Falde Nathan Falde has been working as a freelance writer for the past six years. His ghostwritten work and bylined articles have appeared in numerous online outlets, and in 2014-2015 he acted as co-creator for a series of eBooks on the personality types. An INFJ and a native of Wisconsin, Nathan currently lives in Bogota, Colombia with his wife Martha and their son Nicholas.

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The Highly Sensitive Person

Is this you.

Are you easily overwhelmed by such things as bright lights, strong smells, coarse fabrics, or sirens nearby?
Do you get rattled when you have a lot to do in a short amount of time?
Do you make a point of avoiding violent movies and TV shows?
Do you need to withdraw during busy days, into bed or a darkened room or some other place where you can have privacy and relief from the situation?
Do you make it a high priority to arrange your life to avoid upsetting or overwhelming situations?
Do you notice or enjoy delicate or fine scents, tastes, sounds, or works of art?
Do you have a rich and complex inner life?
When you were a child, did your parents or teachers see you as sensitive or shy?

Click here to take the self-test.

…or anyone raising a highly sensitive child (HSC),

Welcome. I’m Elaine Aron. I began researching high sensitivity in 1991 and continue to do research on it now, also calling it Sensory-Processing Sensitivity (SPS, the trait’s scientific term). I never planned to write any self-help books, but those who have this trait seem to gain a great deal from knowing about it. You can find my books here.

If you find you are highly sensitive, or your child is, I’d like you to know the following:

Your trait is normal. It is found in 15 to 20% of the population–too many to be a disorder, but not enough to be well understood by the majority of those around you.
It is innate. In fact, biologists have found it in over 100 species (and probably there are many more) from fruit flies, birds, and fish to dogs, cats, horses, and primates. This trait reflects a certain type of survival strategy, being observant before acting. The brains of highly sensitive persons (HSPs) actually work a little differently than others’. To learn more about this, see Research .
You are more aware than others of subtleties. This is mainly because your brain processes information and reflects on it more deeply. So even if you wear glasses, for example, you see more than others by noticing more.
You are also more easily overwhelmed. If you notice everything, you are naturally going to be overstimulated when things are too intense, complex, chaotic, or novel for a long time.
This trait is not a new discovery, but it has been misunderstood. Because HSPs prefer to look before entering new situations, they are often called “shy.” But shyness is learned, not innate. In fact, 30% of HSPs are extroverts, although the trait is often mislabeled as introversion. It has also been called inhibitedness, fearfulness, or neuroticism. Some HSPs behave in these ways, but it is not innate to do so and not the basic trait.
Sensitivity is valued differently in different cultures. In cultures where it is not valued, HSPs tend to have low self-esteem. They are told “don’t be so sensitive” so that they feel abnormal.

You are definitely not alone. For example, tens of thousands of people have subscribed to the newsletter, Comfort Zone , offered here. If you want to know more about sensitivity, I invite you to click on the links at the top of the page and explore this site.

The contents of this website and the self-tests it contains are not meant to diagnose or exclude the diagnosis of any condition.

Highly Sensitive Person

The emotional challenges of being highly sensitive, bad news can be a major problem. good news doesn't much help..

Posted September 12, 2023 | Reviewed by Monica Vilhauer

Are You a Highly Sensitive Person?
Find a therapist near me
Sensory processing sensitivity concerns differences in how we perceive and respond to stimuli (e.g., touch).
Highly sensitive people (HSP) tend to process sensory data deeply and experience strong emotional reactions.
A key question is whether highly sensitive people show greater responsiveness to certain types of events only.

A recent study— authored by Van Reyn et al., and published in the August 2023 issue of Social Psychological and Personality Science— examined whether highly sensitive people are affected more strongly by negative events only, or by both negative and positive events. Here's what it found.

The Highly Sensitive Person and Sensory Processing Sensitivity

What does it mean to be a highly sensitive person? Sensory processing sensitivity refers to individual differences in the perception of and response to stimuli (e.g., noise, light, touch).

Sensory processing sensitivity is considered a temperament or personality trait with four components:

Strong emotional reactions.
Deep processing of sensory data.
Enhanced awareness of environmental subtleties.
Great susceptibility to overstimulation.

The Highly Sensitive Person Scale, developed by Aron and Aron , is used to measure individual differences in environmental sensitivity (see Table 1). A high score is associated with greater sensitivity.

Arash Emamzadeh (adapted from Aron and Aron, 1997)

An important question is whether highly sensitive people show greater reactivity only to negative stimuli (e.g., an invalidating childhood environment, abusive romantic relationship , hostile workplace) or positive stimuli as well (e. g., a loving family, supportive romantic partner).

Investigating Sensory Processing Sensitivity and Positive/Negative Events

Sample: 239 Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk) workers; 129 males, 108 females, and two non-binary ; average age of 37 years old (ranging from 20 to 72 years); 86 percent American.

Participants were asked to complete an initial survey, plus 21 scheduled daily diaries.

Highly Sensitive Person Scale: 27 items; for example, “Are you easily overwhelmed by strong sensory input?” and “Do changes in your life shake you up?”
Daily life satisfaction: One item (“How satisfied were you with your life today?”)
Daily self-esteem: Degree of agreement with the item, “Today I had high self-esteem.”
Daily positive and negative affect: Level of agreement with 13 emotion items from the Affect Valuation Index (e.g., angry, enthusiastic, happy, lonely , relaxed).
Event appraisals: Eight items. For instance, “How threatening was the experience?”
Event descriptions and intensities: Participants’ descriptions and appraisals of the day’s most positive and negative events.

Sensory Processing Sensitivity and the Influence of Negative Environments

The present research, the first-ever longitudinal investigation of sensory processing sensitivity, found that increased sensitivity correlates “ only with greater emotional reactivity to negative events. ”

Specifically, those with high sensory processing sensitivity experienced more negative emotions and lower self-esteem, self-efficacy , and life satisfaction in “response to more subjectively intense negative events.”

They did not experience “grea ter benefits from more subjectively intense positive events, such as larger increases in positive affect or life satisfaction.”

This agrees with the diathesis-stress model —the theory that mental health problems result from a combination of negative life experiences and environments (stress) and specific biological vulnerabilities (diathesis).

That is why, when compared to another person who grew up in the same stressful and invalidating family context, a sensitive person is more likely to report elevated levels of anxiety and depression .

Highly sensitive people tend to experience more frequent and intense negative emotions and lower well-being than others.

They report lower self-esteem and reduced life satisfaction, and are at a greater risk of developing mental health problems (e.g., anxiety, depression, post- traumatic stress disorder).

In fact, the majority of psychotherapy clients may have sensory processing sensitivities.

The reviewed study found that highly sensitive persons react strongly to negative events but do not benefit from more positive ones.

Given these findings, a potentially effective treatment for the highly sensitive may be mindfulness meditation and related interventions. Why? Because mindfulness practice may reduce negative emotions while i ncreasing positive emotions.

Mindfulness Meditation for the Highly Sensitive Person

Mindfulness means awareness of whatever one experiences. The quality of this awareness is important. It needs to be open, accepting, nonjudgmental, and focused on the here and the now. Potential benefits of mindfulness meditation include:

Improved motivation .
Improved memory .
Higher self-esteem.
More optimism .
Greater life satisfaction.

Here are some suggestions for highly sensitive people on how to meditate.

Facebook /LinkedIn image: PeopleImages.com - Yuri A/Shutterstock

Arash Emamzadeh attended the University of British Columbia in Canada, where he studied genetics and psychology. He has also done graduate work in clinical psychology and neuropsychology in U.S.

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Mindful Guides, a Marriage and Family Therapy Corporation is a boutique therapy center, located in the village of La Jolla, California, offering holistic psychotherapy services to adults, teens, individuals, couples, families and groups.

About Mindful Guides, a Marriage and Family Therapy Corporation is a boutique therapy center, located in the village of La Jolla, California, offering holistic psychotherapy services to adults, teens, individuals, couples, families and groups. All of our therapists use an eclectic approach by incorporating traditional psychotherapeutic modalities—including cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic, narrative and gestalt–with mindfulness-based practices and somatic (body-based) therapies. We specialize in treating anxiety, depression, trauma, addictions, parenting and relationship challenges. Mindful Guides clinical director and founder, Nicole Kahn, M.A., Ed.M. hand-selects each therapist. She provides direct supervision to ensure that each client receives comprehensive care. Mindful Guides Therapy center also provides training and supervision to associate therapists who are on their way to licensure.

Our Services Psychodynamic Therapy Somatic Experiencing® Cognitive-behavioral therapy Imago Relationship Therapy Mindfulness Based Therapy

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What Is a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP)?
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What Is a Highly Sensitive Person?
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COMMENTS

Highly Sensitive Person
Highly Sensitive Person. Sensory Processing Sensitivity. Highly Sensitive Person, or HSP, is a term coined by psychologist Elaine Aron. According to Aron's theory, HSPs are a subset of the ...
Highly Sensitive People: How to Harness This Superpower
Efforts like journaling, going to therapy, and finding creative outlets can transform health for highly sensitive people. Processing and releasing emotions is a powerful skill everyone needs to thrive through life's ups and downs. 3. They might change their social dynamics.
14 Traits of Highly Sensitive People
13. You enjoy working from home. Highly sensitive people often prefer work environments where they can control external stimuli, such as how well-lit, quiet, or uncluttered their workspace is ...
Highly sensitive person: Signs, strengths, and challenges
A highly sensitive person (HSP) is more aware of social stimuli, such as other people's voices and facial expressions. They may be particularly empathetic but also more prone to overstimulation.
What Is a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP)?
A highly sensitive person (HSP) is a neurodivergent individual who is thought to have an increased or deeper central nervous system sensitivity to physical, emotional, or social stimuli. Some refer to this as having sensory processing sensitivity, or SPS for short.
What Is a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP)?
Highly sensitive people can also be very creative and have a deep level of empathy. "Highly sensitive people are built more deeply, emotionally and mentally than most people," notes Dr. Childs ...
What Is a Highly Sensitive Person? (Incl 12+ HSP Tests)
The highly sensitive person. How to thrive when the world overwhelms you. Birch Lane Press. Aron, E. (2002). The highly sensitive child: Helping our children thrive when the world overwhelms them. Harmony. Aron, E. (2004). Revisiting Jung's concept of innate sensitiveness. Journal of Analytical Psychology, 49, 337-367. Aron, E. (2010).
What Is a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP)?
A highly sensitive person (HSP) is thought to have increased or deeper central nervous system (CNS) sensitivity to multiple stimuli, whether physical, emotional, environmental, or social. The term was coined by psychologist Elaine Aron in the mid-1990s, with interest in the concept growing ever since. According to Aron's theory, HSPs are a ...
9 Core Qualities of Highly Sensitive People
3. They get "hangry." When highly sensitive people are hungry, they grow angry. They struggle to function and often take out their frustrations on those closest to them. 4. They choke when they're ...
Highly Sensitive Person: Signs, Strengths, Challenges, and More
Having strong attention to detail. Making thoughtful decisions. Being considerate of other people's wants and needs. Developing deep and meaningful relationships with others due to having high ...
How to Communicate with a Highly Sensitive Person
With Highly Sensitive People, the Environment is Everything. You may be able to carry out a conversation in just about any setting and still feel comfortable. But the highly sensitive person is not so fortunate. If the environment is noisy, too brightly lit, or chaotic and filled with movement, an HSP will feel uncomfortable and distracted.
PPT
The Highly Sensitive Person Cathy Vestrand Vestrand Consulting Services, LLC. Elaine N. Aron • How to Thrive When the World Overwhelms You, 1996 • Research Psychologist • University Professor • Psychotherapist • Published novelist • HSP. Take the Survey • Number 1-23 • Answer True or False. Time to score the survey • If you answered true to 12 or more of the questions you are ...
What Is A Highly Sensitive Person (HSP)?
Highly sensitive person, or HSP, is a personality trait found in 20% to 30% of the world's population, according to research in the Journal of Clinical Medicine [1]. Many people experience ...
Why Highly Sensitive People Make The Best Leaders, According ...
Put simply, h ighly sensitive people think and feel everything more deeply—not because they are weak or inadequate—but because of their genetics. While sensitivity does come with it's ...
The Highly Sensitive Person
The brains of highly sensitive persons (HSPs) actually work a little differently than others'. To learn more about this, see Research. You are more aware than others of subtleties. This is mainly because your brain processes information and reflects on it more deeply. So even if you wear glasses, for example, you see more than others by ...
Leading as a Highly Sensitive Person
Course details. Highly sensitive people (HSPs) have unique neural wiring that enable them to process the world around them more deeply. Studies have shown that HSPs have more active brain areas ...
PPT
The Highly Sensitive Person. The Highly Sensitive Person. Cathy Vestrand Vestrand Consulting Services, LLC. Elaine N. Aron. How to Thrive When the World Overwhelms You, 1996 Research Psychologist University Professor Psychotherapist Published novelist HSP. Take the Survey. Number 1-23 Answer True or False. 535 views • 17 slides
New Research on the Emotions of Highly Sensitive People
Summary. Highly sensitive people tend to experience more frequent and intense negative emotions and lower well-being than others. They report lower self-esteem, reduced life satisfaction, and are ...
Atomic bomb saga 'Oppenheimer' finally opens in Japan
Oscar best picture winner "Oppenheimer" has finally been released in Japan, where its subject - the man who masterminded the creation of the atomic bomb - is a highly sensitive and emotional topic.
PPT
The Highly Sensitive Person. The Highly Sensitive Person. Cathy Vestrand Vestrand Consulting Services, LLC. Elaine N. Aron. How to Thrive When the World Overwhelms You, 1996 Research Psychologist University Professor Psychotherapist Published novelist HSP. Take the Survey. Number 1-23 Answer True or False. 536 views • 17 slides
PPT
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