Wellness Monthly: Understanding Highly Sensitive People

Elaine Aron, Ph.D., a psychologist, introduced the phrase highly sensitive person (HSP) in the 1990s to describe a trait found in about 15 to 20 percent of the population. According to Aron, an HSP has a normal, innate survival-strategy trait called sensory-processing sensitivity – being observant before acting. Sometimes this trait is perceived by others as being overly cautious, easily offended, excessively thorough or slow to make decisions. Consequently, HSPs can feel misunderstood.

Research indicates that an HSP’s brain receives, processes and reflects on information more deeply than a non-HSP’s brain. For example, HSPs have a tendency to notice connections and subtleties in human interactions and the environment. HSPs are also recognized for having strong emotions, empathy for others, creativity, capacity for rich relationships and inner lives, and appreciation for art, music or nature.