A discussion with a friend inspired me to write this blog. As two people who fit the criteria for being more sensitive than most of the rest of the world, we shared how this sensitivity is both a blessing and a curse.
As usual, I found clarifying information on the web. According to the website Worksheets Planet, “Sensitivity refers to the capacity to perceive, detect, or respond to stimuli, both internal and external. In a psychological context, it involves heightened awareness and responsiveness to emotions, stimuli, or environmental factors.
Sensitivity can manifest in various forms, including emotional sensitivity, sensory perception, or responsiveness to cultural nuances. Being sensitive may imply an increased susceptibility to stimuli, whether physical or emotional, and often contributes to a nuanced understanding of one’s surroundings.
Sensitivity is a multifaceted trait, influencing interpersonal relationships, creativity, and the ability to empathize with others.
A highly sensitive person has a more sensitive central nervous system, making them highly attuned to physical, emotional, or social stimuli than others.”
The website Lectera provides the following information:
“Sensitivity is a term derived from the Latin word ‘sensus’, meaning ‘sensitive’. It refers to a feature of personality or character that expresses itself in a high responsiveness to triggers and stimuli, accompanied by a strong and active reaction to them.
In simple words, sensitivity in psychology means a heightened awareness of and reactivity to stimuli, which can have a positive as well as a negative impact on a person’s life. It modifies their perception of the outside world and themselves; it is also involved in communication, and in experiencing failures and mistakes, etc. Thus, sensitivity can be considered a personality trait where a person perceives events and feelings with more acuity. The concept of sensitivity was introduced in psychology by Russian psychologist Lev Vygotsky in the early 19th century – he described different periods of development and formation of a child’s personality through the prism of sensitivity.
In a certain sense, sensitivity is a superpower enabling a person to perceive and interact with other people more effectively and even monetize this trait, for example, by becoming a consultant or a psychoanalyst. However, sensitivity is often viewed as a weakness – a problem that makes life difficult for people, since sensitivity itself means ‘heightened awareness’ and therefore borders on ‘oversensitivity’. Thus, the interpretation and connotation of the term ‘sensitivity’ depends on the context.”
An article in Psychology Today discusses the Highly Sensitive Person:
“The Highly Sensitive Person, or HSP, is a term coined by psychologist Elaine Aron. According to Aron’s theory, HSPs are a subset of the population who are high in a personality trait known as sensory-processing sensitivity, or SPS. Those with high levels of SPS display increased emotional sensitivity, stronger reactivity to both external and internal stimuli—pain, hunger, light, and noise—and a complex inner life.
The concept of high-sensitivity has gained traction in the years since Aron conceived of it, particularly as more and more people began to self-identify as highly sensitive. Overall, about 15 to 20 percent of the population are thought to be highly sensitive.
HSPs are thought to be more disturbed than others by violence, tension, or feelings of being overwhelmed. They may, as a result, make concerted efforts to avoid situations in which such things are likely to occur. On the more positive end of the trait, high sensitivity is thought to be linked to higher levels of creativity, richer personal relationships, and a greater appreciation for beauty.”
The article describes the highly sensitive person as follows:
“If you react strongly to criticism, become physically and emotionally overstimulated more easily than others do, and have a rich inner life, you may score highly in sensory processing sensitivity. You may also feel as if you have a higher capacity for empathy and are quite sensitive to others’ moods.
Children who cry easily, become overstimulated quickly, or who are highly distressed when others are in pain may have high sensory processing sensitivity, likely due to a mix of genetic and environmental factors. While such children can present challenges for caregivers, they are able to flourish in supportive environments.”
My friend and I commented on how many times our families and friends chastised us for being “too sensitive” as if it was something we could get over or work on so we would change.
I think it is important to know if you are a highly sensitive person. It can explain your strong feelings and reactions that are much more intense than those of others. Apparently, none of us can stop being highly sensitive but we can be kind to ourselves and can help others understand why we behave as we do.
Invitation for Reflection
- Are you someone who fits the profile of a highly sensitive person? If so, how does this impact you? Your relationships?
- What do you wish people in your life knew about the traits of someone who is highly sensitive?
- Do you know others who are highly sensitive? Does the information in this blog help you to better understand them?
Diane Wagenhals
Director Emeritus, Lakeside Global Institute