HSP (Highly Sensitive Person)
Your sensitivity is a strength.
Highly sensitive people process information more deeply than average. Crowds, noise, and social interactions can be overwhelming — but HSPs also experience beauty, connection, and empathy on a profound level.
What is HSP (Highly Sensitive Person)?
The Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) trait was identified by psychologist Elaine Aron in the 1990s. The DOES model describes its four core features: Depth of processing, Overstimulation, Emotional reactivity, and Sensing the subtle.
An estimated 15–20% of the population is highly sensitive — it is a trait, not a disorder, and appears across many species. In supportive environments, highly sensitive people often excel through their depth of processing and capacity for empathy.
High sensitivity often overlaps with other neurodivergent profiles including autism and ADHD. Understanding which experiences stem from sensitivity — and which from other conditions — is an important part of self-knowledge and finding the right support.
Recognisable traits
- Deep emotional processing and empathy
- Strong intuition and sensitivity to atmosphere
- Easily overwhelmed by sensory or social overload
Challenges
- Chronic overstimulation from noise, crowds and strong sensory input
- Difficulty setting limits due to high empathy
- Intense need for recovery time after social interaction
- Strong sensitivity to criticism and conflict
- Emotional exhaustion from absorbing others' feelings
What can help?
Evidence-based research
We are expanding these pages with accessible summaries of recent scientific research — covering interventions, coaching approaches, therapy techniques, and support strategies that research has shown to be most effective.
ND-Link for HSP (Highly Sensitive Person)
A community built around neurodivergent connection.
- Connect at your own pace, without overstimulation
- Find people who value depth over small talk
- Understand each other's need for quiet and recovery