About Sensitivity

Are you a “highly sensitive person” or think you might be? I recently received a letter (yes, a real life physical letter, in the mail box - a treat in itself!), from a woman who was reaching out looking for information about sensitivity. I think her underlying fear was that she was slightly “crazy” in believing that such a thing as a sensitivity trait exists. She explained in her letter, that she’d been told by two therapists that the trait isn’t real and that left her doubting her own sanity.

For anyone who thinks sensitivity isn’t real, I would point them in the direction of a considerable amount of serious research run by multiple and very serious, qualified, researchers.

Sensitivity Research, for example, is a collaboration of “researchers dedicated to sharing reliable and evidence-based knowledge on the human trait of sensitivity.” Elaine Aron (Pd.D.) being one of the researchers listed on the site.

Dr Elaine Aron’s site, https://hsperson.com/ is possibility the most well-known research portals for HSP or sensitivity research. Dr Aron is perhaps the most well-known pioneer in the field. She is a researcher and her focus is evidence-based. (More about Dr Elaine Aron here). Her site offers much in the way of research findings, videos & podcasts, HSP tests, other resources, and lists of qualified HSP coaches (including me) and therapists .

Sensitivity Research defines sensitivity this way:

It can be easily observed that some people are more sensitive than others. Researchers define sensitive people as those who are more strongly affected by what they experience.

Sensitivity can be easily and reliably measured with a range of short questionnaires that have been developed and validated by researchers.

After more than 20 years of academic research, it is clear that sensitivity is an established, recognised and empirically verified human trait.

Sensitivity is a basic human trait and describes the ability to perceive and process information about the environment.

Sensitivity consists of two basic components. Firstly, the perception of sensory input from the environment such as sound, smell, taste, and touch.

Secondly, the cognitive processing of the perceived information about the environment, such as thinking deeply about and reflecting on experiences.

(For more information, you might enjoy checking out - https://sensitivityresearch.com/about-sensitivity/)

Sensitivity Research researchers offer a slightly different take on tests and measurments to that offered by Dr Elaine Aron orginally. They instead postulate that rather than sensitivity being a yes/no trait, that it is more of a spectrum with 30% of the population falling into low sensitivity (dandelions); 40% medium (tulips) and 30% high sensitivity (orchids). Read more about how people fall into different sensitivity groups here. (You might read this and think, ah yes, I know someone in my life who is bound to be on the low side!)

If you’re looking for a little inspiration AND information, the two sites I mention above are good places to start. Each has a blog e.g. https://sensitivityresearch.com/blogs/ and https://hsperson.com/comfort-zone/blog/ and FAQ.

There are also many other sources of information.

• My own resource booklet for example: https://www.joanneostler.com/insights/hsp-a-brief-summary-of-key-facts where I outline key facts about HSP including, gifts of HSP and the “DOES” model:

  • • D is for depth of processing. This is the fundamental characteristic. Highly sensitives observe and reflect before taking action. We process everything more, whether we are conscious of it or not.
    • O is for being easily overstimulated, because if you are going to pay more attention to everything you are bound to tire sooner.
    • E is for giving emphasis to our emotional reactions and having strong empathy, which among other things helps us notice and learn.
    • S is for being sensitive to all the subtleties around us, and could include noise, activity, smells and food sensitivities.
    Individuals differ in their exact profile and what they’re sensitive to, but overall highly sensitive people will express or feel sensitivities in each of the four “DOES” areas.

• Another popular resource is: highlysensitiverefuge.com

Please note that not all online sources are credible. Some are quite lightweight, not research-aware, and more driven by the author and collective’s own individual opinions rather than what the research actually says.

Photo by Javardh on Unsplash.

#hspcoach #sensitivityresearch #hspleadership