“I FEEL too much…” “People say I’m way too sensitive…” “I’m too empathic…” 🥺
Sound like you?
Roughly 20% of the population experiences what’s called Sensory-Processing Sensitivity (Aron & Aron, 1997) and are ‘Highly Sensitive Persons’ (HSPs).
And while many assume it’s something more common in women, that’s actually not true. Research shows that there are as many highly sensitive men as there are women– but in cultures where male sensitivity is not accepted, those men typically hide it & don’t admit it (Buss, 1989).
👇 Here are some distinguishing characteristics of HSPs outlined by one of the researchers that first identified & studied the trait (Aron, 2010).
(Most HSPs will identify with a number of these)
• You prefer to be on the sidelines & observe before getting involved.
• You notice subtleties or small changes, e.g. “You’ve changed your hair!”
• You’re more likely to be an introvert (70% are introverts)
• You take time to consider detail & all possible outcomes before acting.
• You’re more aware of the thoughts and emotions of others and pick up on non-verbal cues.
• You’re very conscientious and have a strong work ethic because you don’t want to let anyone down.
• You’re deeply concerned about social justice and the environment, and become very emotionally impacted if you witness injustice.
• You’re likely to be gifted, artistic, or passionate about the arts.
• You have a strong interest in spirituality and/or psychology.
• You have a faster & more intense startle response to movement or loud noises.
The important takeout is that being highly sensitive (or neurodiverse more broadly) doesn’t have to be an obstacle.
If you change your mindset, and equip yourself with tools to help you tap into the benefits, it can really become a differentiating superpower.
Which of the distinguishing characteristics do you have?
And how can you see them as a superpower to be embraced instead of denied? 👇
#shorts
References:
Aron, E. N. (2011). Psychotherapy and the highly sensitive person: Improving outcomes for that minority of people who are the majority of clients. Routledge.
Rothbart, M. K. (1989). Temperament in childhood: A framework (p.49-58). Chichester, England: Wiley.
Aron, E. N., & Aron, A. (1997). Sensory-processing sensitivity and its relation to introversion and emotionality. Journal of personality and social psychology, 73(2), 345.
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