Understanding high sensitivity: Characteristics, causes and dealing with intense perception

What does high sensitivity mean?

The term high sensitivity describes a personality trait in which people perceive stimuli more intensely and in a more differentiated way than others. High sensitivity affects around 15 to 20 per cent of the population - possibly even up to 30 per cent of all people according to current studies. Highly sensitive people perceive stimuli through a ‘filter in the head’ that works less selectively. This less filtered input leads to more intensive processing of both external and internal stimuli - such as sounds, odours, bright light, emotions or social moods. Many people are highly sensitive without realising it and experience their everyday life as stressful or challenging as a result.

The origins of and research into high sensitivity

The inventor of the term high sensitivity, the American psychologist Elaine N. Aron, coined the concept of sensory processing sensitivity (SPS). In the 1990s, she developed the Highly Sensitive Person Scale (HSP questionnaire), which can be used to identify signs of high sensitivity. Since then, high sensitivity has been increasingly studied scientifically, including in connection with the Big Five of personality research, in particular neuroticism, introversion and openness to experience. The aim of this research into high sensitivity is to be able to identify objective signs of high sensitivity and to better categorise the characteristic in psychological diagnostics.

Highly sensitive people and the perception of stimuli

Highly sensitive people perceive their environment more intensely - loud noises, bright light, strong odours or chaotic social situations trigger a reaction in them more quickly. Where ‘normal’ sensitive people in an open-plan office merely experience difficulties concentrating, highly sensitive people quickly experience overstimulation, inner restlessness, emotional exhaustion or even a tendency to withdraw.

Highly sensitive people react particularly strongly to subtle moods, unexpressed emotions or subtle changes in the facial expressions of others. This sensitivity leads to increased empathy and the ability to empathise intensively with other people. Many highly sensitive people describe their perception as more intense, both positively and negatively. This means that highly sensitive characters are characterised by a high level of emotional resonance.

Stimuli and their processing in highly sensitive people - signs of high sensitivity

Some objective signs of high sensitivity can be identified using psychological questionnaires such as the HSP scale. Common characteristics include

• Intense emotional reactions to stimuli

• Rapid sensory overload in noisy or crowded rooms

• Deep reflection on one's own experience

• Pronounced empathy and perception of other people's feelings

• Deep processing of sensory impressions

• Need to withdraw from social contact

• Strong reaction to mood swings in the social environment

These symptoms clearly indicate high sensitivity, although the degree of expression varies from person to person. People with high sensitivity are particularly sensitive in various areas of life - be it professionally, interpersonally or in dealing with their own inner world. The fact that highly sensitive people experience themselves differently is not due to hypersensitivity, but to a neurological speciality: sensory-processing sensitivity.

Highly sensitive people in everyday life

Many highly sensitive people report that high sensitivity has an impact on their daily lives: the need for time alone, a withdrawal from over-stimulating environments, difficulties with multitasking or a strong reaction to loud noises. At the same time, highly sensitive people also experience intense access to beauty, nature, art, music or interpersonal moments. Their own feelings are experienced as particularly complex and multi-layered.

One example: While a visit to a concert triggers joy for many, a highly sensitive person may feel the need to leave the room after just a few minutes due to the volume, light and close crowds. This intense reaction to external stimuli sets them apart from others. Highly sensitive people also tend to orientate themselves strongly to the mood of others.

High sensitivity in children and adults

Highly sensitive children show a strong reaction pattern early on to changes, emotional tension in the family or unfamiliar situations. They are often considered sensitive, overstimulated or anxious, but only need a stable environment to develop their strength. High sensitivity in childhood can intensify or weaken in adulthood, depending on the social environment and personal experiences.

Highly sensitive adults tend towards self-reflection, intensive processing of impressions and the search for meaning. Some are attracted to meditation, artistic activities or professions in counselling, therapy or art. They often describe a life with strong emotional depth, but also with the challenge of isolating themselves from external stimuli. The fact that highly sensitive people experience their environment more intensely influences their choice of profession, their everyday life and their social behaviour.

High sensitivity and mental health

It is important to differentiate between high sensitivity and a mental illness. Although highly sensitive people suffer more frequently from the consequences of stress, for example due to sensory overload or chronic excessive demands, high sensitivity is not considered a mental disorder. It is a recognised personality trait. However, above-average sensitivity increases the risk of mental disorders, especially in unfavourable social or professional environments.

Influence of trauma and chronic stress:

Stressful childhood experiences or prolonged stress further increase sensitivity. In such cases, it is difficult to distinguish whether certain reactions are due to innate high sensitivity or traumatic experiences. High sensitivity can be hereditary, but is subject to strong interaction with environmental factors.

Psychologist Elaine Aron and other researchers emphasise that certain neurobiological processes are more active in highly sensitive people. In practice, high sensitivity therefore means a different way of processing information and structuring emotional experiences.

Highly sensitive or autistic?

There is often confusion between high sensitivity and neurodiverse conditions such as autism spectrum disorders. There are indeed similarities, for example in terms of sensory hypersensitivity, emotional reactivity or the need for structure and withdrawal. But there are key differences:

• Highly sensitive people generally have intact social intuition, while autistic people display different communication styles or repetitive behaviour patterns.

• Autism is considered a neurobiological developmental disorder, while high sensitivity is a personality trait.

• Highly sensitive people show greater emotional openness, react strongly to other people's feelings and are often particularly present in interpersonal contact.

Despite these differences, highly sensitive people perceive their environment more intensely, just like many autistic people - the distinction is therefore not always clear. Highly sensitive people should seek a professional assessment from a psychologist if they are unsure.

High sensitivity in society

Despite growing awareness, high sensitivity is still considered a ‘sensitivity’ or ‘weakness’ in many contexts. This is an evolutionarily advantageous characteristic: in groups, communities benefited from particularly attentive, empathetic and sensitive members who recognised risks early on or controlled emotional dynamics.

Today, however, highly sensitive people react more strongly to a flood of stimuli, fast-paced life and social demands. In working environments with constant stress and permanent availability, this leads to excessive demands for many. Highly sensitive people should therefore take breaks, structure and minimise stimuli when organising their everyday lives.

Recognising high sensitivity beyond doubt?

The Highly Sensitive Person Scale and a consultation with a psychologist can be used to determine whether someone is likely to be highly sensitive. There is no clear distinction between ‘highly sensitive’ and ‘not highly sensitive’ - it is a spectrum. Some highly sensitive people are particularly severely affected, while others are only slightly affected, which shows that high sensitivity can be hereditary.

If you are unsure, you can find out more about high sensitivity and have signs of high sensitivity identified, for example via the official website of Elaine N. Aron or through psychological counselling services. Various symptoms can indicate high sensitivity, but can also have other causes. For this reason, high sensitivity is a characteristic that cannot be diagnosed solely on the basis of individual behaviours, but can also clearly indicate high sensitivity.

Conclusion:

Why high sensitivity should be taken seriously: Highly sensitive people experience their environment in an intense, often overwhelming, but also deeply touching way, which clearly indicates high sensitivity. Their ability to perceive their own feelings and the feelings of others in a differentiated way, their sensitivity, their value for interpersonal relationships and their power of reflection make them important voices in a world flooded with stimuli.

Understanding that highly sensitive characters are not ‘too sensitive’, but actually react differently to stimuli, opens up new ways of working together in a more integrated way. Sensitivity and high sensitivity should be recognised as a resource - not as a weakness. The fact that highly sensitive people perceive their environment more intensively is an expression of a neurological spectrum that must be recognised in a diverse society.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about high sensitivity

What does highly sensitive mean?

Being highly sensitive means reacting more strongly to sensory stimuli, emotions and interpersonal impressions and processing them more intensively.

What does highly sensitive mean and how many people are affected?

High sensitivity describes the neurological condition of increased sensitivity to stimuli. Around 15 to 20 per cent of the population are affected, possibly up to 30 per cent according to recent studies.

What are the causes of high sensitivity?

High sensitivity is a neurobiological disposition. The causes lie in both genetic and early childhood experiences as well as environmental conditions.

What are the characteristics of high sensitivity?

Emotional depth, rapid exhaustion in the face of a flood of stimuli, a strong need for harmony, intensive experience of art, music and nature, pronounced empathy.

Other typical characteristics: fine perception, empathy, need for retreat, low stimulus threshold.

How does high sensitivity manifest itself in adults?

In emotional depth, sensory sensitivity, a pronounced ability to reflect and often also in creative or helping professions.

Is high sensitivity a disease?

No. High sensitivity is not an illness, but a neurobiological disposition that affects people differently.

What triggers highly sensitive people?

Stimuli such as noise, bright light, conflicts, multitasking, emotional tensions.

What is good for highly sensitive people?

Retreats, breaks, harmonious relationships, contact with nature, creative activities, therapeutic counselling and self-acceptance.

How do highly sensitive people behave?

They are often empathetic, creative, reflective, avoid overstimulation, seek retreat and react strongly to subtle signals.

Are highly sensitive people loyal?

Many highly sensitive people highly value commitment, depth and loyalty in relationships.

Do highly sensitive people like to be alone?

Yes - withdrawal helps to process stimuli and maintain emotional balance.

Can highly sensitive people be narcissists?

Unlikely - highly sensitive people are usually empathic, narcissistic personality traits are at odds with this

Are all highly sensitive people spiritual?

No. Even if many highly sensitive people show a pronounced need for meaning, depth and inner orientation, this does not automatically mean that they have a spiritual attitude to life. Spiritual openness is not a universal characteristic of highly sensitive people, but varies from person to person.

Test: Am I highly sensitive?

The ‘Highly Sensitive Person Scale’ (HSP questionnaire) by Elaine Aron can provide an initial indication. Online tests also provide an initial orientation. For a more differentiated assessment, however, a consultation with a psychologist is recommended.

What therapeutic approaches are there for highly sensitive people?

Integrative psychotherapy, mindfulness-based methods, body-oriented approaches, coaching for self-care and stimulus regulation, cognitive behavioural therapy for stress management.

Why is high sensitivity still controversial?

High sensitivity is criticised by some as being too vague or lacking empirical evidence. Others see it as an important extension of our understanding of personality. Research is still in its infancy, which leads to differing assessments.

Should we be open about our high sensitivity?

That depends on the environment. In an understanding context, openness can lead to more acceptance and mutual respect. In other situations, discretion can be more helpful to prevent misunderstandings.

Explanation of terms (selection)

What does feeling mean in psychology?

Feeling refers to the conscious perception of emotions and sensations.

What is perception?

Perception refers to the reception and processing of sensory stimuli by the nervous system - e.g. via hearing, seeing, smelling, tasting or feeling.

What are emotions?

Emotions are complex psychophysical reactions to internal or external stimuli. They include feelings, physical reactions and impulses to act.

What is meant by thinking?

Thinking includes cognitive processes such as judgement, problem-solving and remembering - often profound and interconnected in highly sensitive people.

What does perception mean?

Perception is the process of sensory information processing in the brain. Highly sensitive people often experience this process in a more differentiated way.

What does sensitivity mean in neuroscience?

This refers to the responsiveness of nerve cells to stimuli. Highly sensitive people usually have increased neuronal sensitivity.

What is a personality trait?

Personality traits are stable, cross-situational characteristics of experience and behaviour, such as introversion, openness or empathy. High sensitivity is one of them.

What is neuroticism?

Neuroticism is a Big Five dimension that describes emotional instability. Highly sensitive people sometimes show overlaps, but are not automatically neurotic.

What is sensory processing sensitivity?

Sensory processing sensitivity (SPS) is the scientific term for increased neuronal sensitivity in highly sensitive people.

What is empathy?

Empathy describes the ability to perceive and sympathise with the feelings of others - a pronounced strength of highly sensitive people.

More terms

• Stimulus (physiology) is an important factor that highly sensitive people perceive differently: stimulus that triggers physiological reactions

• Olfactory perception: perception of odours

• Gustatory perception: perception of flavour

• Sensory overload: state of mental overload caused by too many stimuli

• Psychophysics: field of research on the connection between physical stimuli and subjective experience

• Reactivity (chemistry): used here metaphorically for emotional reactivity

• Correlation: connection between two variables

• Coaching: support for self-development, also for highly sensitive people

• Psychotherapy: treatment method for psychological stress, also suitable for highly sensitive people