What is a Highly Sensitive Person?
20-30% of the population fall on the highly sensitive end of the sensitivity continuum. It’s a normal variation of human temperament.
The Revised HSP Scale explores a range of traits associated with high sensitivity, including how attuned someone is to subtle changes in their environment, how strongly they respond to sensory input (like light, sound, texture, and smell), and how deeply they process emotional and social experiences. It includes items that reflect appreciation for art and music, responsiveness to the moods of others, a tendency toward deep reflection, and sensitivity to both overstimulation and positive sensory detail. These traits paint a nuanced picture of how someone might experience the world more vividly and intensely than average.
20-30% Have a Highly Sensitive Nervous System
Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) is commonly refers to those with Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS – the term used in scientific research).
HSPs have nervous systems that process sensory stimuli more deeply and react more intensely than average. However, responses to the same stimuli can vary significantly between individuals. Sensitivity is a natural trait that exists alongside other personal characteristics, and understanding it can help you navigate life more effectively.
Innate and Environmental Elements
While Sensory Processing Sensitivity is primarily an innate biological trait influenced by genetics, its expression is shaped by environmental factors, such as upbringing, life experiences, and social contexts, affecting how individuals navigate their sensitivity in daily life.
What DOES High Sensitivity Look Like?
Deep Processing
HSPs tend to consciously and unconsciously process information deeply and thoroughly
Overstimulation
Because they process a wide range of information deeply, HSPs are prone to getting overstimulated by sensory input and their inner responses to it
Emotional Reactivity
HSPs often have stronger emotional reactions to both positive and negative stimuli, experiencing emotions more intensely than others might
Subtleties
HSPs absorb subtle details and changes in their surroundings, such as moods, nuances, and social and environmental cues, allowing them to pick up on information that others might overlook
Sensory Processing Sensitivity is Not…
A “Superpower”
Sensitivity is a normal trait found in 20-30% of people, not a rare or extraordinary ability. It can bring strengths, but it’s not inherently superior or magical.
A Personality Type (or Identity)
Sensitivity is a biological trait, not a personality type or identity. It influences how someone processes information, but it doesn’t define their entire personality.
Emotional Instability/Volatility
HSPs feel emotions deeply but aren’t innately emotionally unstable. Sensitivity involves deeper processing, not erratic emotions.
Introversion
While many HSPs are introverts, about 30% are extroverted. Sensitivity refers to processing depth, not social preferences.
A Weakness
Sensitivity doesn’t make someone fragile or unable to handle stress; HSPs can be just as resilient, thriving with the right strategies and resources.
A Mental Disorder
SPS is a normal trait, not a mental health issue or disorder. It can coexist with anxiety, but sensitivity itself is not pathological.
Just Reacting to Negative Input
HSPs experience positive stimuli deeply too, including joy, beauty, and connection, not just stress or discomfort.
Something to “Fix”
Sensitivity can’t be fixed because nothing is broken. It is a natural temperament trait. HSPs thrive by managing their environments to support their needs.
