Our editorial process is built on human expertise, ensuring that every article is reliable and trustworthy. AI helps us shape our content to be as accurate and engaging as possible.
Learn more about our commitment to integrity in our Code of Ethics.
Highly sensitive people (HSPs) are characterized by their intense emotional responsiveness and heightened sensitivity to their environment. This trait, first identified by psychologist Elaine Aron in 1996, affects approximately 15-20% of the population and is equally distributed among men and women.
Why it matters: HSPs bring unique strengths to the table, including enhanced empathy, creativity, and social skills. However, they also face specific challenges that require understanding and support.
Key Traits and Characteristics: HSPs are distinguished by several key traits:
Unique Strengths and Advantages: HSPs possess several unique strengths, including:
Common Challenges: HSPs face several challenges, including:
Practical Strategies and Coping Mechanisms: To manage overstimulation and emotional intensity, HSPs can:
Recent research has continued to refine the understanding of high sensitivity. For example, genetic studies have identified multiple genes associated with sensitivity, though no single gene defines an HSP. Brain activity studies using functional MRI have shown that HSPs exhibit greater activity in areas of the brain associated with empathy and sensory processing, such as the mirror neuron system and the insula and prefrontal cortex.
"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".
In summary, understanding the traits and challenges of HSPs can help them better navigate their unique experiences and leverage their strengths to thrive in a world that often overlooks their needs.