Highly sensitive person (HSP) refers to individuals who perceive sensory information more profoundly than others.
As a result, these individuals tend to get overstimulated and overwhelmed by their surroundings. Chaotic, noisy, or stressful environments may feel overbearing for them too.
This neurological type is thought to account for 15-20% of the general population. However, a highly sensitive person is often misunderstood. Others frequently mistake them for being shy and introverted.
THEORY
The Highly Sensitive Person Test (HSPT) is a 27- item self-reported questionnaire. According to the test, a person who scores 14 or more on the questions indicates the person may have a highly sensitive personality.
Individuals are encouraged to complete the test according to the way they feel. However, they should not deliberate over each question too long and answer them honestly.
In Aron’s (1996) initial definition, high sensitivity was characterized as inborn and hereditary instead of being taught or on a spectrum. So, in simple terms, you either have it or you don’t.
However, HSP traits are characterized into four separate groups in Aron’s subsequent research in 2010.
And by taking the HSPT, one can get a good sense of themselves regarding the four different areas.
The four separate groups of HSP are as below:
IMPORTANCE
Anybody who wants to know if they are a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) can take this quick and simple assessment. The test is suitable for people of all ages, cultures, and religions.
In addition, there are specific HSP tests designed for adults and children. So make sure you use the proper HSP test to ensure the effectiveness and accuracy of results.
The Highly Sensitive Person Test (HSPT) consists of 27 questions on a 7-point Likert scale. The test will take you less than 10 minutes to complete. So you can undergo the test whenever you are free and available. If you answer more than 14 questions as true to yourself, you are more likely to be highly sensitive.
This free online Highly Sensitive Person Test will allow you to acquire your results on this psychometric tool, as guided by the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology.
The Highly Sensitive Person Test has been validated via empirical testing. The result of the test has been published in journals. Furthermore, the HSPT is proven to display high scientific validity.
This HSPT is also peer-reviewed by studies published in major scientific journals. Lastly, the test results are stored in an anonymized database. It undergoes statistical analysis to achieve optimal accuracy and validity for the test results.
FAQ
If you answer more than 14 questions as true to yourself in the Highly Sensitive Person Test (HSPT), you are more likely to be highly sensitive. In addition to the test, you may perceive sensory information more profoundly than others. As a result, you tend to get overstimulated and overwhelmed by your surroundings. Strong reaction to criticism, sensitivity to other’s emotions, and having a rich inner life may also mean you score highly in sensory processing sensitivity.
According to Aron’s definition, high sensitivity is not a mental health illness. Instead, it’s characterized by other facets of personality and may occur in varying degrees. Despite the disadvantages associated with high sensitivity, studies suggest that it may also offer adaptive advantages.
Many highly sensitive people may experience repressed anger because they may not have experience in dealing with their negative feelings healthily. This could be due to their personality, high empathy for others, or childhood upbringing.
A highly sensitive person is neither more nor less emotionally intelligent than others. However, as a sensitive person, you have a lot to offer. HSPs have excellent social awareness and empathy for others. But the valuable message is knowing when to use our abilities to assist others and prioritize our needs. And mastering emotional intelligence will allow you to do that.
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