Highly Sensitive People
Have you ever been told that “you’re too sensitive?” This expression is absurd. You’re either sensitive or you’re not. There is no such thing as being too sensitive.
Highly Sensitive Person, or HSP, is a term that was coined by Elaine Aaron nearly thirty years ago. Since that time, HSP has become a commonly used term by people who possess several of the following characteristics:
vivid imagination
often overstimulated by sensory experiences (loud sounds, bright lights, crowds, certain textures, smells or tastes)
perceptive and have easy access to other people’s emotions, moods, and energies
tend to avoid violence as it has a negative impact on their nervous systems
a rich and complex inner life
feeling a strong connection to nature
an appreciation for art, music and beauty of all kinds
thoughtfulness is a common character trait
tend to require alone time to recharge after time with other people (or are introverted)
%
Percentage of the world's population that are HSPs
Recent studies show that adverse early-life events, such as relationship trauma, may increase the likelihood of developing heightened sensitivity in childhood.
Insufficient parental affection or a lack of warmth and nurturance during childhood can lead to heightened sensitivity which persists into adulthood.
In other words, your HSP status can be a result of early childhood trauma.
Think you might be a Highly Sensitive Person?
Check out Elaine Aron’s quiz to help you determine if you’re an HSP.