Psychology Facts

▼ HSP / Highly Sensitve Person ▼

My therapist just diagnosed me with this trait so I decided I'd research it and she'd more light onto it as it isn't a super well known thing , hope you enjoy!!

》 Highly Sensitive Person, or HSP, is a term coined by psychologist Elaine Aron. According to Aron's theory, HSPs are a subset of the population who are high in a personality trait known as sensory-processing sensitivity, or SPS.

》 Those with high levels of SPS display increased emotional sensitivity, stronger reactivity to both external and internal stimuli—pain, hunger, light, and noise—and a complex inner life.

》 While highly sensitive people are sometimes negatively described as being "too sensitive," it is a personality trait that brings both strengths and challenges.

》 HSPs are thought to be more disturbed than others by violence, tension, or feelings of being overwhelmed. They may, as a result, make concerted efforts to avoid situations in which such things are likely to occur.

》 There are several traits or characteristics common to HSPs, according to the researchers who identified this personality trait:

- Having a rich and complex inner life, complete with deep thoughts and strong feelings that go with it

- Feeling a need for downtime (not just a preference), especially when you have hectic days; needing to retreat to a dark, quiet room

- 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

》 On the more positive end of the trait, high sensitivity is thought to be linked to higher levels of creativity, richer personal relationships, and a greater appreciation for beauty.

》 The test to measure sensory sensitivity in the adult population is known as the Highly Sensitive Person Scale (HSPS). It was first developed and validated by Aron and her husband, Art Aron, in the 1990s, and is available on their website.

》 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.

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

》 HSPs often report that they form deep bonds with others, have exciting dreams and internal monologues, and find great enjoyment in art, music, and human connection.

》 Self-care is critical for HSPs, particularly when faced with stressful situations. Getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, limiting caffeine and alcohol, and planning for decompression time can all be useful strategies.

》 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 deeply than others.

》 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.

》 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.

》 If someone you know is highly sensitive, it's first critical to accept that it is part of their temperament and likely can't be changed. Giving the person space to decompress, encouraging self-care, and looking for the strengths inherent in their sensitivity can help the relationship—and the individual—thrive.

》 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 and can really empathize with the feelings of others, both negative and positive.

You may have close relationships with others. They care deeply about their friends and tend to form deep bonds with the right people.

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.

》 HSPs feel as if they register more details of their environment than less sensitive people do—including sounds, sights, or emotional cues. Though such stimuli can feel overwhelming, modifying the environment to suit their needs can be empowering.

》 70 of HSP identify as an introvert

》 30 percent of HSPs are actually extroverted

》 Sensory processing disorder is a condition in which the body and brain do not respond appropriately to sensory input. It is distinct from sensory processing sensitivity because while an HSP may have a stronger reaction to sensory input, their brain and body will still process and respond to the stimuli correctly.

》 It is important to remember that being an HSP does not mean that you have a diagnosable condition. It is a personality trait that involves increased responsiveness to both positive and negative influences.

》 There is no specific treatment recommended for high sensitivity, as it is conceptualized as a personality trait rather than a disorder. However, since the trait often comes with emotional or interpersonal challenges—and may co-occur with anxiety and depression—HSPs may find talk therapy useful for their overall well-being.

》 Some Tips and Tricks for HSPs:

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.