Discover the Hidden Strengths of Being a Highly Sensitive Person

Uncovering the Traits of a Highly Sensitive Person

If loud noises irritate you and you find yourself tearing up easily, you might be what psychologists refer to as a highly sensitive person (HSP). Let’s dive into how to identify if you are an HSP and explore why it can be a hidden strength.

The Science Behind High Sensitivity

The concept of the highly sensitive person was first introduced in the early 1990s by Dr. Elaine Aron, a pioneer in the field. Her extensive research, conducted alongside her husband Dr. Arthur Aron, culminated in the bestselling book The Highly Sensitive Person. This book has become a guiding light for those who identify as HSPs.

The brain of an HSP is uniquely wired. Brain imaging studies have shown that an HSP’s brain lights up in more areas when processing sensory input compared to a non-HSP brain. This heightened activity is particularly noticeable in regions responsible for attention, decision-making, and action-planning.

Genetics and Evolution

High sensitivity, or sensory processing sensitivity, is genetically determined and present in about 20% of the population. It occurs equally across genders and is also found in many other species. From an evolutionary standpoint, having a portion of the population constantly vigilant for danger can be advantageous. However, if everyone were on high alert, it could lead to a shortage of individuals ready to respond to threats.

Navigating the Challenges of High Sensitivity

The constant hyperstimulation experienced by HSPs can lead to feelings of overwhelm and anxiety. HSPs often see all potential outcomes of a situation, including the negative ones, which can cause significant stress. Developing tools and practices to manage this sensitivity is crucial. Downtime is essential for HSPs, as it allows them to process information fully and foster creativity.

High sensitivity is often confused with introversion due to the significant amount of time spent quietly processing. However, 30% of HSPs are extroverts, which presents unique challenges. Extroverted HSPs may overanalyze their behavior, leading to painful overthinking and adversely affecting self-esteem.

The Strengths of Being an HSP

Dr. Elaine Aron, a highly sensitive person herself, has organized her life to accommodate her sensitivity. She identifies intuition as her main strength, defining it as “knowing what you know without always knowing how you know it.” HSPs typically have strong intuition because their depth of processing is fed by emotion.

HSPs often beat themselves up for feeling out of place, but understanding that their reactions are normal can help them see their high sensitivity as a superpower rather than a disability.

HSPs in the Workplace

In the workplace, high sensitivity can be both a challenge and a strength. While it may manifest as stress, anxiety, and intolerance to criticism, HSPs can flourish in the right environment. A low-stimulation workspace is essential for HSPs, as open-plan offices can be overwhelming.

Managers can get the best from sensitive employees by delivering feedback in positive, encouraging ways. John Hughes, a writer and advisor to high-level business executives and a self-identified HSP, believes that HSPs can excel as leaders due to their unique abilities:

• Perception: HSPs tend to notice details that others miss, such as nuances in conversation, tone, body language, and other non-verbal cues. This allows them to accurately gauge their team’s emotional state and guide them to be more productive.
• Processing: HSPs prefer processing over action and speaking, making them more likely to listen and observe. Team members feel heard, and there is space to express their ideas without fear of being shut down.
• Resonance: HSPs have the ability to grasp and reflect back the “whole picture” to the team. This innate ability to feel deeply, process richly, and consider the right words and actions for the moment makes them natural resonant leaders.

The Revelation of Being an HSP

Discovering that you are an HSP can be a life-changing revelation. It provides an explanation for the overthinking and dramatic responses that set you apart from so-called “normal” people. HSPs can rewrite their personal histories to reflect their sensitivity in a positive light.

Dr. Elaine Aron developed a self-test to help people determine if they are HSPs. The test explores reactions to loud noises, strong smells, and whether you have a rich inner life. It can be a fun activity and often results in yet-to-be-identified HSPs leaning in excitedly.

Understanding if your partner, children, or employees are HSPs can also be beneficial. Subtle shifts in the way you interact with them can elevate your relationships to new levels.

For more information, you can visit Dr. Elaine Aron’s website.