Understanding the Science Behind Being a Highly Sensitive Person

I’ve always considered myself a highly sensitive person—very intuitive, quick to pick up on others’ emotions, and, yes, someone who can get their feelings hurt more easily than most. If this sounds familiar, you might wonder: is there any science behind this? The answer is yes.

Psychologist Dr. Elaine Aron popularized the term Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) in the 1990s. It describes a personality trait known as Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS). This isn’t a disorder but a natural variation in how people process information and emotions. Research shows that about 15–20% of the population shares this trait. Here’s what the science says:

The Biological Basis of Sensitivity...

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