Psychology

Highly Sensitive—a Hidden Advantage

The four core traits of an HSP

Naturally predisposed to thinking deeply, with self-inquiry as the backbone, I identify as a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) and see it as an advantage, despite society not doing so.

Highly Sensitive Person was coined by Dr Elaine Aron in 1991 when she identified the innate trait of high sensitivity during her research, work that she continues to this day. In the documentary, Sensitive: An Untold Story, she recounts stories from her childhood which led to her research into sensitive dispositions.

Thanks to Dr Aron’s work, we have information and data to support a previously minimised set of traits, which sometimes can be inexplicable, and incorrectly devalued by western society.

Her D.O.E.S. framework embodies the core characteristics of an HSP —

Depth of Processing

A baseline to understanding HSPs is that our brains have a higher level of activity, it’s natural for us to process at a deeper level. The term ‘deep thinking’ comes to mind, or to the scientists it is referred to as, sensory processing sensitivity.

This activity relates to the insula, the part of the brain that enables self-awareness and perception. The constant processing of our subjective emotions and environment at this level of depth can be the cause of fatigue for highly sensitives.

This is why many of us need more time to do certain tasks, or make decisions.

The level of thought that goes into decisions can make the process slow for our family and friends who may be unable to relate; the mindset behind it is simply to ensure that all options have been checked to make the best possible decision for a situation. I am guilty of this and have been told that I overthink or over-research.

Overstimulation

The tendency to notice subtle details — in the environment, social cues, nuances in communication, awareness of emotions in self and others, noise, smells, visuals — leads to a sense of overstimulation. Dr Aron was quick to mention that, this is not to be confused with sensory discomfort, which on its own is a sign of disorder within the autism spectrum.

The overstimulation links to the Depth of Processing in that, the painstaking way we sometimes make decisions can cause us to need more downtime than most, this is sometimes mistaken as introversion.

Which leads me to mention, 30% of HSPs are extroverts and the distribution of female and male HSPs are 50/50 according to Dr Aron’s research.

Emotional Responsiveness

HSPs have oodles of empathy, sometimes it can feel too much.

Before I started digging into the research, empathy was my main focus. The unconscious part of us that is constantly tuned into subtle social cues and emotions. Aware of who is upset, happy, angry, sad, alienated or coercive, even if we don’t always verbalise it.

It was the part that I considered triggered by the sensitivity, I mistakenly assumed it was the only part.

An HSPs brain has overactive mirror neurons, the part of the brain responsible for our ability to learn through imitation and gauge emotions and intentions of others. This refers to an HSPs strong internal reactions to emotional situations, regular emotions seem amplified.

Have you ever cried after watching an ad or a film that wasn’t particularly sappy? Or in my case the player introductions at tennis grand slam finals, the epic music gets me everytime!

Subtle Stimuli

The awareness of subtle stimuli features at the heart of the HSP trait. Stimuli can be small changes in environment, the mood of the room, bright lights, noises, smells, non-verbal cues, flavours, textures in clothes, cold or hot water. Our brain and nervous systems are wired to notice subtleties.

Truth be told, this is one of my favourite parts of being an HSP, we don’t need to try too hard to notice the details.

Art by EML

I began writing this to serve as an entry point for anyone who has not yet embraced the power of this trait and is insecure about their sensitivity. As I began rifling through my own notes, it quickly became apparent, that it will be too much to place in the one post. Throughout the course of the coming weeks, I intend to repurpose the term sensitivity to be rightly seen as an asset.

Sensitive. Subtle. Power. Three words not normally linked.

Can our minds shift surrounding preconceived notions?

With the right ideas and research to support our subjective sensitivities, together we can create a ripple effect by informing each other through conversation. Are you a Highly Sensitive Person?

“I invite you to imagine living with all of your senses on high alert. You also have a vivid inner world where all of your emotions are magnified — sadness is a deep sorrow, and joy is pure ecstasy, you also care beyond reason and empathise without limits. Imagine being in permanent osmosis with everything around you.” ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀[The gentle power of highly sensitive people by Elena Herdieckerhoff, a Tedx Talk]

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