The Highly Sensitive Person Theory

The Highly Sensitive Person Theory

As a therapist, I not only find a deep interest and fulfillment in my work with others but have found my own personal journey in learning about myself to be interesting and life-giving.

Studying Sensitivity

Studying sensitivity stemmed from my desire to learn about a trait I first noticed in myself. On my journey to self awareness and personal development, I went on to learn about the common experiences of the Highly Sensitive Person or what is scientifically known as the Sensory Processing Sensitivity trait.

The term Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) is a term coined by psychologists Elaine and Arthur Aron in the 1990s to describe people with increased sensitivities physically, emotionally and/or socially. Aron makes a point to share key pieces of information about this trait.

Common Experiences of Individuals with HSP

Common experiences of individuals with HSP include the following:

  • Easily overwhelmed by lights, sounds or textures.

  • Feeling overwhelmed on busy days and needing to retreat to recharge.

  • Having a rich and complex inner life.

  • Avoidance of violent or disturbing media in favor of calming media.

  • Noticing and enjoying delicate scents, tastes, sounds or works of art.

Aron’s Theory of Highly Sensitive People:

Here are some facts about Aron’s Theory of Highly Sensitive People:

  • The HSP trait is normal. High sensitivity is found in 15 to 20% of the population

  • It is innate. Biologists have found it in over 100 species from fruit flies, birds, and fish to dogs, cats, horses, and primates. This trait reflects survival instinct.

  • HSP’s are more aware than others of subtleties.  The brain of an HSP notices subtleties but also processes information deeply. It could be said we see the bumble bee but we also see the garden and want to know how the two work together.

  • HSP’s can be more easily overwhelmed. HSP’s have a heightened awareness of their environments and can be overwhelmed by excess input.

  • This trait is not a new discovery, but it has been misunderstood. HSP’s previously were viewed as individuals with introversion but 30% of HSPs are extroverts. Additionally, the HSP trait has also been called inhibitedness or neuroticism by some. While some HSPs behave in these ways, Aron posits it is not innate to do so and not the basic trait.

What causes someone to become a Highly Sensitive Person?

In my research into this theory, I was interested in learning about what influences the development of this trait. A number of causes can be correlated with this trait. Factors such as early childhood experiences, genetics, environment and/or evolution appear to be at play. In addition to providing insight into the cause of the trait, Arons research goes further into the common experiences, strengths and challenges of HSP’s.

Challenges of HSP’s

Some of the challenges that HSP's may find themselves experiencing depend on the individual. Some common shared experiences include feeling overwhelmed with stimuli and needing to take frequent breaks to recharge.

Sometimes HSP's can feel misunderstood by others as their sensitivity may not be valued in their particular culture. Additionally, HSP’s may avoid conflict, overthink or be more vulnerable to social burn out.

These challenges can require some support and while being a HSP is not a diagnosis, people with this trait may deal with neurodivergence in different forms and need support.

As we paint the picture of challenges HSP's experience it is important to note the many strengths of HSP's.

Strengths of HSP’s

Some of the strengths HSP's can experience are high levels of empathy, intuition, creativity, self care skills and observational skills. Each strength is individual to the person and their willingness and interest in self-development.

As a HSP, I find myself to be empathetic and observant but skills like intuition and creativity have taken me longer to develop through intentionality.  As someone with the HSP trait, the path to self-discovery felt natural and integral to my happiness and I am happy I found this research. 

Since learning about this trait, I have become more intentional about self-awareness, self care, slowing down and embracing the little joys in life. This has allowed me to love my life as someone with the HSP trait! If you have found that some of this information resonates with you then I encourage you to learn more about this trait.

Getting support as a HSP

Navigating life as a HSP can be beautiful but sometimes overwhelming as you learn to harness your strengths and appreciate your trait. Seeking the support of others and fostering connection with others is important. Learning how to care for yourself and allow others to care for you is important. Two Roads offers a number of supports that allow for personal development and self care on your journey. To learn more about the Highly Sensitive person a number of resources are available.

Citations


Research Studies


Books on the Highly Sensitive Person Theory

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About Two Roads Wellness Clinic

Two Roads Wellness Clinic® is an integrative wellness clinic. We truly believe in whole-person wellness and see more than just a list of symptoms.

At Two Roads Wellness Clinic®, we want you to experience the difference of personalized health care. We’re an integrative health clinic offering a vast array of services including, mental health treatments such as EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing), family therapy, medication management, primary care, integrative nutritional support, personalized health reports and precision medicine with DNA testing, weight management program, life coaching, massage therapy, physical therapy, infrared sauna services, community education and outreach, and more.

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Robert Frost, “The Road Not Taken”

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