Top 3 Myths About Very Sensitive People: What Science Says

It’s not just history Stigma Not only is it related to sensitivity, but it also has trends Social Media Spreading misinformation about highly sensitive people (HSPs). Deciphering facts from fiction can be difficult.

As an HSP therapist, I write this post to clarify what has high sensitivity properties and reduce the stigma surrounding HSP through evidence-based research.

Myth 1: High sensitivity is a mental disorder.

“High sensitivity” has been known by a variety of names over the past 40 years. According to Dr. Elaine Aron, various researchers call it a trait.Sensitive processing sensitivity(SPS), “low-sensory threshold,” “affecting negativity,” “biological sensitivity to context.” Regardless of label, the innate state in which sensory information is processed particularly deeply is an experimentally consistent genetic variation and is also found in over 100 animal species. Be more perceptive and respond to their environment.

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM)the standard classification system for mental health status in the United States appears to agree. That said, this manual does not include diagnosis of highly sensitive individuals. One reason DSM refrains from including HSPs is that it requires that “disability” be caused by significant distress or dysfunction in multiple domains of an individual’s life. Many HSPs report that their sensibility is not about destroying life, but about strengthening life.

High sensitivity is not a mental disorder, but research shows that there are more HSPs Negative impact More criticism than non-HSPs, due to chaotic environments and emotional negligence. HSPs handle these situations more strongly, leading to greater emotional responses and increased anti-missions.

This makes intuitive sense. Responding more strongly to difficult events will make you feel like you will increase your emotional sacrifice. However, it is important to note that HSPs who grew up in supportive environments experience what Granneman and Sólo (2003) calls them. Sensitive boost effect“When basic support is given, it allows sensitive people to leave far beyond others.”

In summary, HSP is not a fault in itself. However, HSPs who grew up in ineffective or traumatic environments are unfortunately more likely to develop specific mental health challenges, such as major depressive disorders, than non-HSPs who grew up in the same environment.

Myth 2: You must be introverted to be extremely sensitive.

Not all HSPs are introverted. Elaine and Arthur Aron (1997) made this claim in the article first presented Sensory processing Sensitivity as a clear structure that cannot be fully explained by Introvert or Neuropathy By yourself. Kamila Smolewska and colleagues (2006) later demonstrated that about 30% of HSPs were identified as about 30% of HSPs. Extrovert. So, while the majority of HSPs are introverted and lean, a significant minority is not one in three, but not one.

One reason for being introverted is that it is highly sensitive and ambiguous. HSP is the frequent interaction with the environment in a way that reflects behaviors that are commonly associated with introverts.

Every HSP has a nervous system that works in overdrive. As a result, both introverted and extroverted HSPs often leave early social settings for extra sleep, and choose to socialize in the settings with fewer sensory inputs to avoid excessive stimulation or complete the task of loneliness to focus better.

Yes, these types of behavior are usually associated with introversion, but we don’t talk about the whole thing. In fact, many HSPs are outgoing types that are energised by social interactions, despite the need to make changes.

Myth 3: Sensitivity is a weakness.

High sensitivity is not a drawback. It is beneficial for our survival.

Think about it: Your ancestors, who have worked deeper into the stimuli before entering the cave, are less likely to end up as a bear breakfast. High sensitivity also enhances compassion Creativity.

One study Functional magnetic resonance imaging was investigated neural We found increased activity in brain regions associated with empathy-related brain regions (e.g., insular and anterior cingulate cortex) between the foundations of SPS and HSPs looking at emotional facial expressions, highlighting greater social perception. Empathy and social perception are advantageous features. Who do you want as a better friend, partner or parent?

What’s more, like employees, HSPs are It’s likely to be a leader and It’s more aggressive. A 2024 study of art students found that high sensitivity was positively related to desire. leadership role. Similarly, a 2022 study reported that employees were more likely to take initiatives in the workplace than others because of aesthetic sensitivity (perceptions of subtlety and positive stimuli).

So, where did the broad idea that they are “weak” come from when sensitive people have so many excellent abilities? Well, in our culture (particularly in the West), people tend to mistakenly associate “strength” with heartlessness. Growing up, we all listen to that messaging version many times, whether explicit or implicit. HSPs are our cultural fear that only merciless people can survive, that they cannot be taken seriously if they are emotional, and that empathy People are naturally used.

In reality, being sensitive can certainly lead to several challenges, but sensitivity is pure strength and can promote success, interpersonally and professionally.