Key takeaways:
~ Approximately 15-20% of the population has characteristics that psychologists classify as Highly Sensitive People (HSPs).
~ HSPs are more sensitive to visual and auditory stimuli, more easily excited, and more attuned to the emotions of those around them.
~ Genetic research shows that variants in the dopamine pathway, stress-related pathways, and pain sensitivity pathways are common in HSPs.
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What is a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP)?
Highly Sensitive People (HSPs) are individuals with heightened sensitivity to environmental stimuli, deeper cognitive processing, and high emotional reactivity. The term was popularized by psychiatrist Dr. Elaine Aron, who began studying and writing about the characteristics of HSPs in the 1990s.[ref]
In short, some people are simply more sensitive to both emotions and physical stimuli – such as small sounds, visual distractions, or the feelings of others around them. HSP is increasingly understood in the context of genetic variants, the combination of genetics and childhood experiences, and changes that can be seen on brain imaging scans.
Highly Sensitive Person Traits
Dr. Aron created a psychological test and scale to measure sensitivity. Based on this Highly Sensitive Person Scale, researchers narrow down the three factors that influence sensitivity:[ref]
- Easier excitation (HSPs tend to avoid scary movies and overwhelming situations)
- Aesthetically sensitive (HSPs notice colors, surroundings, artwork, and music)
- Low sensory threshold (They may be irritated by tapping pencils, the high-pitched hum of a fan, and bright lights)
These traits are found in 15-20% of the population, and psychologists have linked the trait to inheriting variants in certain groups of genes.
The terms “highly sensitive person,” “environmental sensitivity,” or “sensory processing sensitivity” are used in psychological research. While there are some technical differences in the definitions of these terms, in essence, researchers are able to quantify and describe the differences found in people who are highly sensitive to both negative and positive environments. These differences may include a heightened awareness of interactions with other people or a heightened sensitivity to the physical environment.
Some of the earliest research on this topic was done by psychologists, Dr. Elaine Aron and Dr. Arthur Aron, in the 1990s. Dr. Aron offers a free quiz if you want to find out if you are a highly sensitive person.
Another site for HSP quizzes and more information is sensitivityresearch.com. Note that when you do the quiz you have the option to enter your email or allow your answers to be used for research, but there is also a button at the bottom just to see your results without including your personal information.
Before we get into the genetics research, here’s a quick overview of the characteristics of an HSP:
| Trait | Description |
|---|---|
| Deeper Processing | Think deeply and reflect more than average |
| Emotional Intensity | Experience emotions more intensely |
| Overstimulation by Inputs | Easily overwhelmed by sensory inputs |
| Sensitivity to Subtleties | Notice slight changes in the environment |
| Aesthetic Sensitivity | Attuned to colors, art, music, and surroundings |
| Low Sensory Threshold | Irritated by minor noises, lights, or repetitive stimuli |
Researchers have found that people tend to fall into three classes – high, medium, and low sensitivity.[ref]
Personal bias:
According to the quiz, I’m definitely not a highly sensitive person (and this is 100% confirmed by my genotype report). So I apologize in advance if this article comes across as not very sensitive. One article I read made the analogy that highly sensitive people are like orchids – they need the right conditions to thrive, but under the right conditions they are beautiful and unique. According to the analogy, I’m a dandelion… Non-sensitive people are like dandelions that can bloom under any conditions but are not as unique and beautiful as orchids.
Recap: HSPs are characterized by deeper cognitive processing, emotional intensity, and a low threshold for sensory input. These traits can be measured and quantified using established psychological scales
Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS): Scoring High on the HSP Scale
Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS) is a psychological trait defined by psychologists as a heightened response to stimuli that most people find normal. People with SPS are more easily aroused and excitable, and they tend to avoid upsetting situations. They also have a low threshold for sensory discomfort and are preoccupied with details in their environment. [ref][ref]
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