What is High Sensitivity?

HSP – Definition and Test: Everything You Need to Know

Have you ever felt that you react more intensely to stimuli than the people around you? Perhaps you’ve noticed that loud noises, bright lights, or even strong smells overwhelm you more quickly than others. Maybe you feel uncomfortable in large crowds or hectic environments while your friends seem to handle them effortlessly. If these situations sound familiar, you might be a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP).

High sensitivity is a unique trait that brings both challenges and special strengths. Many people don’t realize that their intense reactions to external stimuli and emotions could be related to high sensitivity. In this blog article, we aim to help you gain a better understanding of HSP. We will explain what high sensitivity is and provide tips on how to determine if you are part of the approximately 15-20% of people who are highly sensitive.

As a highly sensitive person, you might find that you feel and perceive things more deeply and intensely. You notice subtle changes in your environment, react strongly to others’ emotions, and have a high degree of empathy. These qualities can sometimes be overwhelming, but they are also part of what makes you unique.

In this article, you will not only learn about the scientific basis of high sensitivity but also receive practical tips on how to better manage your daily life. We will show you how to use your sensitivity as a strength and offer a test to help you determine if you are indeed a highly sensitive person. Join us on this journey of discovery and learn how to better understand and harness your special abilities.

What is HSP?

HSP stands for “Highly Sensitive Person.” The term was coined by psychologist Dr. Elaine Aron, who discovered that about 15-20% of people have an increased sensitivity to environmental stimuli. This sensitivity affects both emotional and physical stimuli, leading HSPs to react more intensely to sounds, smells, moods, and social interactions.

DOES: Characteristics of a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP)

In the context of Highly Sensitive Persons (HSPs), the acronym “DOES” is used to describe the key characteristics that define high sensitivity. The term was introduced by Dr. Elaine Aron, a pioneer in the research on high sensitivity. Here’s what each letter stands for:

1. D – Depth of Processing: HSPs process information more deeply. They reflect more on their experiences and think things through more thoroughly. This trait means they are often more thoughtful and considerate in their actions and decisions.
2. O – Overstimulation: Because HSPs notice and process more information from their environment, they can become easily overwhelmed or overstimulated, especially in busy, noisy, or chaotic settings. This can lead to a need for downtime to recharge and recover from sensory overload.
3. E – Emotional Reactivity and Empathy: HSPs tend to have strong emotional reactions to both positive and negative experiences. They are often highly empathetic, feeling others’ emotions as if they were their own. This deep emotional engagement can make HSPs compassionate friends and partners.
4. S – Sensitivity to Subtle Stimuli: HSPs are more aware of subtleties in their environment. They may notice things that others miss, such as faint sounds, delicate scents, or small changes in their surroundings. This heightened awareness allows them to pick up on details and nuances that contribute to their rich and complex inner lives.

Understanding these characteristics can help HSPs better navigate their interactions with the world and leverage their unique traits as strengths.

How to Find Out if You Are an HSP

There are various tests and questionnaires that can help determine if you are highly sensitive. A well-known test was developed by Dr. Elaine Aron. Here are a few questions that can give you an initial idea:

• Do you often feel overwhelmed by strong sensory inputs?
• Do you react strongly to pain and caffeine?
• Do you have a vivid imagination and often dream?
• Do you avoid violent movies or TV shows?

If you answered “yes” to most of these questions, you might be an HSP. To be sure, we recommend taking Dr. Elaine Aron’s full test, which you can find online.

Conclusion

High sensitivity is not a weakness but a unique trait with many positive aspects. If you suspect you are an HSP, take the time to get to know yourself better and develop strategies to manage your sensitivity. With the right understanding and self-care, you can optimally use the strengths of your high sensitivity.

If you need support, a counseling session can help you work on this topic together. Here, you can develop specific strategies and learn how to use your sensitivity as a strength. Together, we can find ways to improve your quality of life and empower you in your high sensitivity.