What is a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP)?
HSP is a psychological concept that refers to people with a specific set of traits. Individuals who are easily affected by various stimuli and can feel deeply disheartened by minor things may possess HSP traits. This phenomenon was proposed by Dr. Elaine N. Aron, an American psychologist.
Characteristics of an HSP
HSP refers to people who are extremely sensitive to various external stimuli because their senses are highly acute. It is said that about 15-20% of the population, or one in five people, are HSPs. People with HSP have the following four characteristics known as “DOES”:
- D: Depth of Processing – They think deeply and broadly about things.
- O: Overstimulation – They react sensitively to stimuli.
- E: Emotional response and empathy – They have strong emotional responses and a high capacity for empathy.
- S: Sensitivity to Subtleties – They notice fine details and subtle changes.
These traits are believed to be linked to active functions in certain parts of the brain, particularly the amygdala. This makes HSP individuals more sensitive to stimuli than others.
HSPs and Modern Society
In recent years, the proliferation of the internet and social media has led to people being exposed to a vast amount of information and stimuli daily. For HSPs, this change increases the risk of being overwhelmed by excessive information and stimuli. Many HSPs feel ‘burned out’ and ‘difficulty living’ under such conditions. The fact that some celebrities have publicly identified themselves as HSPs has also contributed to the widespread recognition of this concept.Could I Be an HSP?
People with HSP traits often experience the following symptoms and issues:
- Often described as “sensitive” or “shy” by others.
- Strong reactions to small changes or events.
- Difficulty handling multiple tasks at once.
- Overly sensitive to bright lights and loud sounds.
- Tendency to overthink things.
- Deeply moved by arts and music.
- Seeking quiet places during busy or chaotic times.
If you identify with these characteristics or symptoms, you might also have HSP traits.
HSP is a psychological concept describing individuals who are especially sensitive to external stimuli. These traits are innate, and it’s estimated that about 15-20% of the population have them. HSP individuals exhibit characteristics such as deep information processing, sensitivity to overstimulation, strong emotional responses, and sensitivity to subtle changes. The information overload in modern society can be particularly stressful for HSPs.
