In this post, you will get 5 exciting points on the topic of science and research on high sensitivity.
- What is high sensitivity from a scientific perspective?
- The four basic characteristics of high sensitivity?
- Why is high sensitivity perceived as a heavy burden by some?
- Is high sensitivity scientifically proven?
- Is the model of high sensitivity meaningful?
What is high sensitivity from a scientific perspective?
HS is a psychological model developed by Elaine Aron in the late 90s.
These models serve to bundle behaviors and characteristics in order to make them more understandable and manageable.
In her work, Aron describes 4 basic characteristics that, according to her research, form the basis of the high sensitivity she describes.
In pathology, the occurrence of certain behaviors and symptoms is also used as a basis for diagnosing clinical pictures to determine whether a potential mental illness is present.
Aron emphasizes in her work that the phenomenon of high sensitivity she describes is not an illness, but a character trait, as high sensitivity in itself can be a great enrichment and has an important evolutionary purpose.
The four basic characteristics of high sensitivity
According to Aron, there are four main characteristics that form the basis of high sensitivity.
1. The deep processing of information
HSP, which stands for Highly Sensitive Persons, process information in a very networked way and simultaneously on many different levels. In their considerations, they include, among other things, past experiences and their effects on the future. They are also particularly good at not recognize obvious connections and thus develop new creative solutions.
2. Easier overstimulation of the nervous system
Highly sensitive people react faster to stimuli than average sensitive people. Additionally, they perceive more stimuli simultaneously because the brain region for stimulus suppression is less active in HSPs. This carries the risk of overload. Fortunately, highly sensitive people are equipped with special abilities to calm themselves down in return. Unfortunately, these abilities are often not as active in people who suffer greatly from their high sensitivity, usually due to unfavorable childhood experiences. How these systems can be helpfully activated is the subject of my seminars.
3. A strong emotional world
HSPs experience their emotional world in all its facets. From "on top of the world" to "down in the dumps" and that applies in both directions and within seconds. The entire spectrum of emotions is open to them. This is also reflected in particularly strong empathy.
4. Highly receptive also to subtle stimuli
Highly sensitive people only need gentle impulses to perceive a stimulus. This is because certain synapses require less impulse to be activated in them. This perceptual ability affects all sensory channels and, for many highly sensitive people, extends to subtle perception.
These were the four basic characteristics that, for Aron, constitute high sensitivity. In her book, Aron supplements her model with many other characteristics of high sensitivity.
At first glance, these four points are very comparable to the consequences of damage to the stress system, which is why critics see high sensitivity, for example, as a consequence of developmental trauma.
Upon closer examination, however, there are significant differences here. Highly sensitive people have special abilities that make them more resilient, as a counterbalance to their heightened perception.
Why is high sensitivity perceived as a heavy burden by some?
If high sensitivity is perceived as a great burden, this is not due to high sensitivity itself, but indicates a lack of self-regulation skills and/or a disorder of the attachment or stress system. A possible cause for this could be, for example, a Developmental Trauma be.
Looking closely saves a lot of suffering!
Here it is important to look closely at which area the difficulties occur in, in order to enable a positive experience with high sensitivity or to rule out high sensitivity, so that people can receive the support that is right for them.
For many people, knowing about their high sensitivity is an incredible relief because it allows them to understand and accept themselves better. However, for average sensitive people, a misjudgment can have the opposite effect, as they despair that there is no positive improvement for them. They simply need a completely different approach to make their lives easier.
State of science and research on high sensitivity
The model of high sensitivity was developed "only" at the end of the 90s. This is a very short period for research. Research on high sensitivity is, so to speak, still in its infancy. It is also made more difficult because the effects of high sensitivity cover such diverse areas, all of which must be scientifically proven or disproven in order to confirm or refute the phenomenon of high sensitivity in its entirety.
Therefore, research usually only refers to partial aspects of high sensitivity. However, there are already quite a few of these.
A final overall assessment is therefore still pending and probably will be for many, many more years.
This issue is also found with other psychological concepts that are very effectively used in psychology and education, even if they are not fully scientifically proven.
Is the model of high sensitivity meaningful?
Yes, absolutely.
I experience it every day in my work what a great gift it is for people when they realize that their experience has a name. That being different has a deeper meaning and so many things get a new, meaningful context.
Another point is that they realize they are not alone. After all, according to Aron, 15-20 percent of people are highly sensitive, and they can hardly believe it when other participants describe their experiences and it sounds like someone is talking about themselves.
In my observations, the basic personality structure is astonishingly similar among all highly sensitive people. For many, the feeling of being different suddenly becomes a "we," and when viewed in context, individual traits suddenly appear in a different, positive light. I always conduct a feedback round after my seminars. I have often experienced participants being so moved that they couldn't say anything at all. They are then completely overwhelmed by their new self-understanding. To this day, everyone who has been affected has written me an email afterward to explain themselves. This is also a typical characteristic of highly sensitive people. It is important to them that their behavior is not misinterpreted, possibly perceived as a devaluation, and that they might unintentionally hurt someone because of it.
Participants I meet afterward approach me and are so grateful. They report that my three-hour lecture has completely turned their entire lives and experiences in a positive direction.
This is not my achievement, but thanks to the pioneering work of Elaine Aron. Her model enriches and supports so many people in understanding and accepting themselves better. It brings so much good into the world, so personally, it doesn't really matter to me whether high sensitivity is ultimately confirmed by research as existing.
Would you like to dive deeper? In my Online course: Recognize and understand high sensitivity you will get to know your high sensitivity step by step.
