What It Means to Be a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP): Insights from Dr. Elaine Aron

In a world that often celebrates being bold, fast, and thick-skinned, what happens to those who are deeply affected by a sad commercial, easily overwhelmed by noise, or in tune with subtleties others miss?

To answer this, I’ll refer to the Godmother of the topic, Elaine N. Aron, Ph.D. in her book "The Highly Sensitive Person: How to Thrive When the World Overwhelms You" (1996)

This book introduced the concept of a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) as a normal, inherited trait found in both human and animal populations. Her research laid the foundation for decades of further research and public awareness around high sensitivity.

In the book, Elaine describes that by use of her and her husbands initial research a scale, known as the Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) Scale was born. The scale is meant as a self assessment tool, and the book itself, as it suggests is a handbook for those identifying as an HSP after completing the Scale.

Are You a Highly Sensitive Person?

Dr. Aron’s self-test is a great place to start. If you answer “yes” to questions like:

• Do you become overwhelmed by strong sensory input?

• Do you need time alone to recover after a busy day?

• Are you deeply moved by beauty or emotion?

…then you might be an HSP.

You can take the official self-test here: hsperson.com

Understanding the HSP Trait

First identified in the 1990s by Dr. Aron, the term Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) describes individuals who possess an innate trait known as Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS). This is not a disorder, flaw, or weakness—it’s a normal, inherited trait found in about 15–20% of the population. It’s seen in both men and women equally, across all cultures, and even witnessed in over 100 animal species.

The Four Core Characteristics (DOES)

Dr. Aron outlines four key traits that define an HSP, often remembered by the acronym DOES:

1. D – Depth of Processing:
   HSPs tend to reflect deeply on things. They think about their experiences more thoroughly, which often leads to strong intuition and complex inner lives.

2. O – Overstimulation:
   Because HSPs notice so much, they’re more easily overstimulated by noise, busy environments, or multi-tasking. What might be energizing for others can feel draining for an HSP.

3. E – Emotional Reactivity & Empathy:
   HSPs react more to both negative and positive experiences, HSPs feel emotions deeply—their own and others’. They often cry easily, are moved by art or music, and can be incredibly empathetic, making them great friends, caregivers, and coaches.

4. S – Sensing the Subtle:
   The brain areas being used to process information are those that do more complex processing of sensory information, whether it’s a shift in tone, a flickering light, or an unspoken tension in a room, HSPs often notice the things others miss. This sensitivity can be a superpower when used mindfully.

Myths vs. Truths About HSPs

Let’s clear up a few common misconceptions:

• Myth: HSPs are weak or fragile.
  Truth: HSPs feel deeply, navigating a world that often overwhelms their nervous system requires resilience, not fragility.

• Myth: HSPs are shy or introverted.
  Truth: While many HSPs are introverted, about 30% are extroverted. Sensitivity and sociability are not mutually exclusive.

• Myth: It’s just a personality quirk.
  Truth: HSPs have biologically different nervous systems. Brain scans show increased activity in areas related to awareness and empathy.

The HSP Advantage

When understood and supported, HSPs thrive. They make deeply attuned therapists, artists, teachers, parents, and leaders. Their ability to reflect, empathize, and connect meaningfully with others is a gift the world desperately needs.

Many HSPs find strength in slowing down, setting boundaries, and creating lives that honor their sensitivity. This often involves intentional self-care, quiet spaces, and relationships rooted in respect and understanding.

Embrace Your Sensitivity

Being a Highly Sensitive Person doesn’t mean you’re broken. It means you’re built differently. And with the right tools, that difference can become your strength.

As Dr. Aron puts it:

“It’s not that we’re more emotional. We’re more perceptive.”

Whether you’re an HSP yourself, or love someone who is, understanding this trait is a powerful step toward greater self-compassion, connection, and wholeness.