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. This trait, often referred to as sensory processing sensitivity (SPS), is understood to be a different level of sensitivity than the typical human experience. While highly sensitive people are sometimes negatively described as being “too sensitive," it is a personality trait that brings both strengths and challenges. The concept of the highly sensitive person was first coined by psychologists Elaine Aron and Arthur Aron in the mid-1990s, with Elaine Aron publishing her book, "The Highly Sensitive Person," in 1996. Interest in the concept has continued to grow since then.
Psychologist Elaine Aron developed the concept to describe those who display notable sensitivity to various forms of stimuli. Aron estimates roughly 15–20% of the population is highly sensitive. Researchers often use the term “sensory processing sensitivity” to characterize the experiences of HSPs. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) does not list sensory processing sensitivity as a diagnosis. It is important to note that HSP is not a clinical diagnosis in the DSM, but many people identify with the descriptor. Aron and other researchers treat sensory processing sensitivity not as an illness or diagnosis but as an evolved personality trait that can be adaptive in some circumstances. For example, highly sensitive people may notice signs of danger that others miss and may pick up on more subtle social cues.
Defining Characteristics and Prevalence
Highly sensitive persons (HSPs) experience heightened sensitivity to environmental stimuli and emotional input. They may be particularly empathetic but also more prone to overstimulation. A highly sensitive person is more aware of social stimuli, such as other people’s voices and facial expressions. Some key traits of HSPs include deeper processing of emotional stimuli and a lower tolerance to sensory input. 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. They may also feel as if they have a higher capacity for empathy and are quite sensitive to others’ moods.
Children who cry easily, become overstimulated quickly, or are highly distressed when others are in pain may have high sensory processing sensitivity, likely due to a mix of genetic and environmental factors. While such children can present challenges for caregivers, they can flourish in supportive environments. The test to measure sensory sensitivity in the adult population is known as the highly sensitive person scale. It was first developed and validated by Aron and her husband, Art Aron, in the 1990s.
Clinical Perspective and Diagnostic Status
According to Aron’s concept of high sensitivity, it isn’t a mental health disorder; rather, it is defined, like other aspects of personality, as a trait that exists in each person to varying degrees. Despite some drawbacks associated with high sensitivity, evidence suggests it may also offer adaptive advantages. Being a highly sensitive person is not a diagnosis or a medical condition and does not require treatment. However, HSPs may find relief from this label for their experiences. They may receive meaningful support from therapy and resources or books about HSP.
Empathy is a spectrum, like many qualities, and can cause difficulty if too high or too low. While neither is automatically bad, high empathy can be exhausting. HSPs may struggle to adapt to new circumstances, demonstrate seemingly inappropriate emotional responses in social situations, and easily become uncomfortable in response to light, sound, or certain physical sensations.
Strengths and Adaptive Advantages
The trait of high sensitivity can be adaptive in some circumstances. Highly sensitive people may notice environmental cues others do not. In the right setting, this can help them detect danger. Picking up on body language and other subtle cues may help them develop strong social skills. Highly sensitive people tend to be more sensitive to others’ emotions and moods. This may offer them more insight into other people. It can also help them detect others’ motives and inclinations, potentially making them good managers, negotiators, and leaders. The right environment can make being a highly sensitive person more manageable. With less sensory input, HSPs may not feel as overwhelmed. This may empower them to work toward positive outcomes, such as by using their empathy to better understand people and foster meaningful relationships.
Challenges and Impact
Being a highly sensitive person can come with many challenges. HSPs may struggle to adapt to new circumstances, demonstrate seemingly inappropriate emotional responses in social situations, and easily become uncomfortable in response to light, sound, or certain physical sensations. High sensitivity can create more stress. When sensitivity rises to the level of neurodivergence, it can impact daily functioning. HSPs often need to create a calming home environment and learn to say no to overwhelming demands to protect their energy. They may require more downtime to process experiences. Understanding and accepting one’s sensitivity can lead to improved self-care strategies and wellbeing for HSPs. Building supportive relationships and environments can help HSPs thrive by reducing overstimulation and fostering emotional balance.
Supporting the Highly Sensitive Person
While the concept of the HSP is relatively new, HSPs are not. As research continues, experts may identify new ways of supporting HSPs. They may also identify the environmental, genetic, and developmental factors that contribute to high sensitivity. The right environment can make being a highly sensitive person more manageable. With less sensory input, HSPs may not feel as overwhelmed. This may empower them to work toward positive outcomes. HSPs may receive meaningful support from therapy and resources or books about HSP. Building supportive relationships and environments can help HSPs thrive by reducing overstimulation and fostering emotional balance.
The trait of high sensitivity is an area of ongoing research. The concept has been explored in personality and social psychology research, with studies examining its neurobiological origins and its relation to other personality constructs. For example, research has used fMRI to provide evidence for independence of cultural context in attentional processing. A psychometric evaluation of the Highly Sensitive Person Scale has been conducted to examine its components and their relation to the Behavioral Inhibition System (BIS), Behavioral Activation System (BAS), and the 'Big Five' personality traits. Understanding the research behind the trait can help in developing effective support strategies.
Conclusion
The highly sensitive person (HSP) is a neurodivergent individual with a deep central nervous system sensitivity to stimuli, a trait known as sensory processing sensitivity (SPS). This trait, affecting an estimated 15–20% of the population, is not a clinical diagnosis but a personality dimension with both strengths and challenges. HSPs may demonstrate enhanced empathy, attention to detail, and insight into others, but they are also more prone to overstimulation and require careful management of their environment and energy. The concept, pioneered by Elaine and Arthur Aron, is supported by psychometric research and is viewed as an evolved trait rather than a disorder. Effective support for HSPs involves understanding the trait, accepting one's sensitivity, building supportive environments, and seeking appropriate therapeutic resources. As research progresses, our understanding of this trait and how to support individuals who embody it continues to evolve.