Highly Sensitive People - Personality Traits

The HSP Can Be Introverted, Socially Aware, and Responsive to Others

Aug 11, 2007
Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen

Highly Sensitive People Personality Traits - stock xchange filipe toy

Highly sensitive people have personality traits similar to introverted personality types. Like introverts, highly sensitive people are quickly drained & need time alone.

The personality traits of highly sensitive people set them apart from people with "normal" sensitivities. Highly sensitive people aren't introverts, but they share many of the same qualities.

Are you a highly sensitive person? Perhaps, if people often describe you as "oversensitive", a "scaredy-cat" or "inhibited." If you startle easily, make it a point to avoid violent movies or tv shows, and tend to be extremely sensitive to pain you may be a highly sensitive person. If other people's moods affect you and you're shaken by upsetting or overwhelming situations, then maybe you're a highly sensitive person.

Being highly sensitive isn't bad, good, unhealthy, or healthy: it's just one way of being in the world. And the more you know about highly sensitive people, the better you'll adjust to the people and situations around you.

The Highly Sensitive Person

In The Highly Sensitive Person: How to Thrive When the World Overwhelms You, Dr. Elaine Aron offers a detailed description of the characteristics of highly sensitive people. Whether you work with someone who is supersensitive or you think you yourself are highly sensitive or "oversensitive", knowing about those personality traits can provide insight into daily life and interactions. Knowing a little about highly sensitive people can help you deal with them better because you understand how they feel.

Dr. Aron clearly points out that highly sensitive people aren't to be confused with introverted, inhibited, or shy people (though similarities exist). Highly sensitive people have a more sensitive nervous system – it's a physiological as well as a psychological condition. Basically, highly sensitive people are more susceptible to external stimulation from sights, sounds, and even vibrations. Introverts may not be as sensitive.

Most highly sensitive people are:

Able to process information deeply.
Able to concentrate deeply.
Good at tasks requiring accuracy, speed, and detail.
Highly conscientious.

Physical characteristics of highly sensitive people:

Good at fine motor movements.
More affected by caffeine.
Good at staying still.
More "right-brained" thinkers: less linear, more creative.
Slower to recover from intense stimuli.

Highly sensitive people are deeply affected by lights, strange odors, clutter, and loud noises. They startle easily and take longer to "come down" from long days, conflicts with friends or family, or stressful days at work. Highly sensitive people can't tolerate as much action, light, or noise as other people can. In this way, their personality traits are different than the characteristics of introverts.

Personality Traits of Highly Sensitive People

Highly sensitive people are able read the moods of their friends and family quicker than "regular people." According to Dr Elaine Aron in The Highly Sensitive Person they can even sense the personality of the person who's arranged the flowers!

Highly sensitive people are better at spotting errors – and better at avoiding them, too.

If you found Characteristics of Highly Sensitive People interesting, you might enjoy:

Laurie Pawlik Kienlen, Psychology Feature Writer, Bruce Kienlen

Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen - Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen is a full-time writer and blogger in Vancouver, BC, and the creator of the Quips and Tips blog series.

Comments

Jan 24, 2009 12:18 AM

Guest :

I don't agree with the part about able to do things with speed and accuracy well at all. That actually goes against most of what I personally know about highly sensitive people, including myself.

Feb 15, 2009 10:15 AM

Guest :

Well, I'd say I am a Highly Sensitive person, but most of the time, I TRY to respond to things in an extroverted manner.

Feb 28, 2009 3:26 PM

Guest :

im not so sure about HSP being able to sense the moods of others quicker thsn other people..

Mar 30, 2009 10:25 AM

Guest :

I agreed with all. External stimili affects me a great deal. And I too act like an extrovert but re-charge like an introvert, something that has been confusing in relationships.

May 14, 2009 9:59 AM

Guest :

As both a HSP and an introvert, I find it hard to disagree with most of the things written here. Re: speed and accuracy, I am definitely more accurate than fast, but can work quickly if I have practiced a given task. Outwardly, it is pretty easy to notice my introversion, but my sensitivity is not something that most people would realise until spending some time getting to know me more intimately.

I can intuit the difference between the two traits and can only say that having both of them can sometimes make day to day living a chore as much as it can make leisure time and time spent with understanding people and friends heavenly.

Jun 3, 2009 6:53 PM

Guest :

i am highly sensitive and i agree with almost all of it,especially with sensing people personality.i do sense people perosnalilty just by listen to their voice.how can i sense people personality? never know why.And i still wonder why can i sense people personality!

Sep 2, 2009 5:42 PM

Guest :

I wish i weren't a highly sensitive person...

Sep 8, 2009 3:55 PM

Guest :

I am highly sensitive and am hurt when spoken down to by others. I am getting better with that and knowing I am an HSP helps a lot.
One thing I would like to know is if anyone else has trouble concentrating when pressured or stressed at work.

Sep 10, 2009 10:54 PM

Guest :

I have been told I was a "sensitive" from every clairvoyant I have ever spoken with. I don't even really know what that means. I've also been told I was an empath, etc, etc. But most of the things mentioned above I don't feel. To me, I feel normal. I've always been this way. I have just always considered myself super sensitive. I mostly cry over other people's pain then my own. I don't know about this higlly sensitive stuff.

Sep 3, 2010 8:52 PM

Guest :

I've never read anything that describes me to a T more than this. This is something I've said all my life, that I have a sensitive nervous system. I startle very easily to where I scare others by shrieking if they casually walk up beside me sometimes. I do feel pain very intensely. I mean, really really intense. I've seen other people stub their toe on an iron leg of a table and just sort of wince. Well, that would have me down on the floor in excruciating pain for about 5 minutes. Caffiene is my enemy. Keeps me up all night. I have insomnia. If we go out of town and I sleep in a new place, I am literally up the whole night. Not exaggerating here. Yes, I do things quickly and with accuracy. I'm very good with spacial order of things and speed with arranging things. I had a pt job in college in inventory for a jewelry manufacture and my interview amazed the boss. I put everything in order from 1-100 very fast and precise. I need a lot of down time. I have always said that I need to recharge after socializing. I could have the best time at an all day party and come home and feel so stressed out that I have to cry. It's always made me wonder what's the problem? I love to socialize and then it affects me like I'm a hermit or something. Also, I am way more right brained. Anything and everything that I love to do has something to do with art and creativity. That is my only sanity. Music, writing, drawing, crafting, sewing, singing, acting, dancing....etc. And I do process information deeply. Too deeply sometimes cause I end up crying about life in general and wish I could just go to the store and make dinner and get on with life. Seems like most people are able to do this. Honestly when I concentrate on the simple things in life, it gives me relief. I love to read about cultures of people and learn about things like food and plants and simple things cause it helps me to feel grounded. Reading this article has helped me to now put a priority on getting the private space I need in regards to socializing. When I am ready to socialize, I have fun. When I don't want to, I can't and I need space. I'm so happy to have found this article to know that there are others just like me.

Sep 3, 2010 8:59 PM

Guest :

Nov 9, 2010 3:21 PM

Guest :

This world doesnt feel and has never felt like home yet I must get out there... argh!!. No matter how hard I try to grow a crocodile skin somehow I revert back to egg shell mode. I cant confront immediately, I need time right before a situation and that really sucks at times. Its soooooo soooooo draining to have to put up with the rest of the world. I can tell people have noticed something different about me no matter where I go but cant quite tell what it is, how the h** am I supposed to blend in? Just how are people able to withstand so much around them? To me some pple feel like energy vampires. I dislike untidiness, dusty surfaces. Even the finest of dust in the air makes me go into a sneezing frenzy. More than two cups of tea make me feel like my brain is sieving out of my skull especially if the tea was hard boiled, fast drinks like coke has a some what similar effect. I hardly every relax in new enviroments especially where I have to mingle and I cant help it. Some people have told me am special and I have a calling but what so special about not feeling like I belong? Most of the things I may think about a person turn true even without hanging around them long enough to know them well. I have observed my responses to hurtful comments and I tend to retract instead of attack or defend, can remember things as they took place over a yr ago as if it was yesterday (this can really affect the way I relate with others).I can here very very high pitched sounds especially at night and cant tell exactly where they are coming from, they drive me crazy but somehow I manage to sleep after hrs of unvoluntary thinking about the whole day. Whenever there is some kind of social gathering, I prefer to stay as far as possible from the speakers or blinding lights. I can read small fonts from long distances without additional aid or strain. I have also been told I take things too personally and are very analytical and innovative. I can tell when people are double talking, helps me weed alot of so called "friends". I have trouble keeping up in a conversation amongst friends, I prefer to make the last comment where I dont have to shout anyone down. I have very unique likes, hardly moved by fashion and its trends. I tend to mimic someones energy especially if its lively and fun and makes me also feel good. I am usually most active during the morning, afternoons feel more like a retirement period. Relationships are just complicated, I tend to get things done better alone, never really been in one. One thing I have never really understood is how people are able to get thru the day without being affected by a quarrel they may have picked up or some not so good confrontation without it ruining their day. I tend to have a stealthly lifestyle. I cant perform well when people are expectantly looking at me. FYI am a guy and proly dont sound much like one, I dont know whether thats normal

Nov 24, 2010 12:38 AM

Guest :

Introverts stop punishing yourselves, highly sensitive people stop trying to be like "everyone else" you are different embrace it make it work for you. Feel lucky that you can see the truth more easily. Just finding this article and getting to know myself is giving me so much peace of mind I finally realize why I was so sad all this time I am just wired differently and in a world full of extroverts and people who are not as sensitive as I, I finally understand. They didn't understand me I didn't understand myself and I have suffered greatly with people because of it. But I NEVER cause harm to anyone yet somehow I was always offending people by "not caring" about the world and escaping from it using drugs because people were constantly trying to change me. What would make me the happiest person in the world and what is making me the happiest person in the world is that other people know what I am talking about even if I have never met anyone like me in real life the stories I have read about Introverts and HSP have made me realize that it is not a personal problem. THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH ME. And it would mean everything to me to know that another introvert or HSP has been moved to tears by reading this because they are finally beginning to understand themselves. Don't make it an us and them issue it just is how it is make it work for you. As for me I am going to go meditate, it's 2:30 in the morning :)

Dec 3, 2010 7:10 AM

Guest :

Wow, this is me too. I've always been profoundly affected by other people's moods, which has caused me immense distress over the years. My tolerance to pain is very low, and if I'm ill, or anyone close to me is ill, I fall to pieces with anxiety. My hubby laughs at me for jumping out of my skin at the slightest noise! You certainly won't get me on a roller-coaster. And I like to be on my own a lot... I find being with other people (apart from my hubby), even friends, often very draining. And yes, I'm creative too... always preferred to write about things than actually take part. I just thought I was a neurotic freak! Nice to learn that I'm just somewhere along the range of normality, after all! Thank you for the article. I'm feeling less weird already.

Dec 6, 2010 1:50 PM

Guest :

I am a highly sensitive person. Sometimes I get to thinking about all the suffering in the world - particularly animals and children and I just want to die because it's so painful.
I also get rattled by a lot of noise. I'm sensitive to caffeine and other drugs, and get easily hurt and offended by other people. I think I am perceptive and have had a few minor psychic experiences.
For me it has been a difficult and uncomfortable life a lot of the time because of the many less sensitive people around.
I can relate to the person who said they don't feel at home in the world.

Dec 30, 2010 2:36 AM

Guest :

i think i have all the traits which suggests that i am highly sensitive, except that i am left brained instead of right

Jan 13, 2011 1:55 PM

Guest :

what kills me about being hsp is that I have significantly low stimulation threshold when compared to average level. I feel overwhelmed and feeling that there is too little of me for anything creates deep sadness in me. No chance for good jobs and troubles with keeping jobs. Nervous system should not be that weak. If there is an apple on the table and I want to take it I have to walk towards table very slowly. My nervous system works as a brake or sth. No , it should not be that weak. I was given crappy genes.

Feb 21, 2011 3:58 PM

Guest :

Very good, easy to understand.

Mar 11, 2011 8:17 PM

Guest :

I liked this article. Very true. I like reading it because it helps me feel like I am not alone and a wierdo.

Mar 21, 2011 8:24 PM

Guest :

I love this following persons story which I have copied and pasted as it was so wonderful for me to read. All my life I have been denying that I am "over sensitive", until faced with the same recurring pain issues again this last couple of weeks, I have finally accepted that I am HSP (among a variety of other things!). And reading this persons following story, I soooo appreciate that there's someone else out there that can see the positives of this way of being and to accept myself as I am in a world full of other weird and wonderful people with their own strange quirks and mannerisms......

"Introverts stop punishing yourselves, highly sensitive people stop trying to be like "everyone else" you are different embrace it make it work for you. Feel lucky that you can see the truth more easily. Just finding this article and getting to know myself is giving me so much peace of mind I finally realize why I was so sad all this time I am just wired differently and in a world full of extroverts and people who are not as sensitive as I, I finally understand. They didn't understand me I didn't understand myself and I have suffered greatly with people because of it. But I NEVER cause harm to anyone yet somehow I was always offending people by "not caring" about the world and escaping from it using drugs because people were constantly trying to change me. What would make me the happiest person in the world and what is making me the happiest person in the world is that other people know what I am talking about even if I have never met anyone like me in real life the stories I have read about Introverts and HSP have made me realize that it is not a personal problem. THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH ME. And it would mean everything to me to know that another introvert or HSP has been moved to tears by reading this because they are finally beginning to understand themselves. Don't make it an us and them issue it just is how it is make it work for you. As for me I am going to go meditate, it's 2:30 in the morning :)"

Thank you whoever you are, I can relate THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH ME, I just am what I am, and being aware of who I am enables me to readjust to this world

Mar 27, 2011 11:54 PM

Guest :

I agreed with all as well. I'm HIGHLY sensitive and am becoming an introvert because I like to talk about things on a very real level, but my reality is not that of the norm. I work with three monitors at work, utilizing several drives to read medical documentation, running a good six programs at once. I have to be detailed working in the medical field. I'm excellent at what I do and know that few people could work under the stress levels and circumstances. I thrive on it, although it's a bit masochistic because it sucks the life out of me. I don't like people in my personal space because I can sense feel someones energy level even when they're in another room. I'm prone to anxiety attacks, not from work but from sensing energy from people. One person can walk up to me and I'm calm, at ease. Two minutes later, a co-worker comes up and I freeze, can't find my words, start to shake, mind goes blank until they go away. I'm not a "shut in, odd ball...weirdo, phycho, hypo". I have been very outgoing all my life, sports, debate team in school, cheerleading, often the center of attention. As I grew older I have become more sensitive to "energy, of ALL things". I digress, because of this, it's difficult for me to be in a relationship, have close friends that I can be honest with. What brought me here is since I moved, I can't function in my apt.(I'm young, healthy, motivated). Not at all the past few months. It's as if someone zapped my frontal lobe. I will not write it up to stress, depression, poor eating, change, etc. It's something physical, although not something I can go to the doctor for. Tonight I had enough, I was going to get to the bottom of it. I decided to google EMR/EMF. I found my answer. Unbeknownst to me, when I moved it there is a cell tower approximately 200 feet from where I live. I never saw it because it was hidden behind trees and due to the angle of my back window. There are many power lines as well. After 4 hours of research, I'm convinced that this is what has rendered an intelligent woman, almost comatose (these feelings go away once I leave my apt). We are surrounded by radiation all the time: the wifi on the lap top, my cell phone, TV.. it's everywhere. The cell towers are emitting much higher levels and. The point is, others live here and have mentioned the discomfort. I can hear a high pitched ring in my ears now. The tips of my ears are read and hot at times, I feel it, I know it all around me to the point where I feel as if I'm suffocating. People that aren't highly sensitive are concerned about health risks, lethargy, cancer, cell damage, cognitive impairment. So what does this do to a person that is HIGHLY sensitive? Who can I speak with that can help me live my life without the fear that I'm crazy, or others thinking I'm crazy?

Apr 12, 2011 6:48 PM

Guest :

This is me..

May 4, 2011 11:33 AM

Guest :

I'm a highly sensitive person. Most of the characteristics the author describes is true for me. However, it is not always true that sensitive persons are 'right brain' people , though logically it makes sense.
I'm sensitive to caffeine, loud noises, lights, people, their moods, and even germs. I've received for my artistic and creative mind, but my left brain takes precedence over right brain. I'm a highly logical and sometimes over-analytical person. Obviously logic and sensitivity doesn't go well together and I have a lot of problems with it.

Jun 23, 2011 4:05 PM

Guest :

Totally agree with these comments. So can one person have both conditions- highly sensitive and be an introvert? I seem to have both qualities...and often suffer from mood swings when others push me into doing things...if only doctors knew of such conditions we -people like me would be better understood and given the right support, when we visit them for help.
Thank you for posting your findings- most helpful
Bless you

Jul 22, 2011 2:52 PM

Guest :

I being a hsp, feel that most of the information in the article are exactly me. I have always wondered what is "wrong" with me. Now I understand myself more and know "what" to do or what my reactions should be as to what I usually do. I read the book and it totally fits what I've gone through in my life. I feel it is right on with me. I'm a brick mason and am really good at it. I feel I owe alot of my skills to being "highly sensitive".

Oct 10, 2011 9:25 AM

Guest :

This is just me. i really dont want to live in this world. this is killing me inside. no one understand me.. I CAN'T MAINTAIN A RELATIONSHIP. even though i got feelings.... why me? i got sisters they are not like me.. i cry almost every night. i cant switch to another place, like i was in school i had great bonding with my friends teachers even with my school and when i went to high school i feel something different in me . i dont want to attend my high school. i cry every night.. i cant live in a new environment. WHY?
please some one help me im just 17. and i want to escape from this world. i want to die!
there is no life for persons like me!

Nov 11, 2011 3:46 PM

Guest :

Hello, I feel relieved to find this article about HSP's types. While I recognize no one personality description suits every individual to a "T", the HSP explains many of my traits. It feels amazing to finally understand why certain activities or situations affect me so deeply. Over the years, many people had told me I had to "toughen up" and "grow a thicker skin". It was demoralizing to constantly be told that there was something wrong with me. That's why I feel relieved; there's nothing wrong with me! I'm just one of 15-20% of the population who feel life differently, more intensley than the other 85-80%. Perhaps now I can embrace my differences and find a way to use my unique personality to make a healthy contribution to life!

Nov 26, 2011 8:32 AM

Guest :

Great article! Helps me understand a girl i care about much better. Thanks MJT

Dec 15, 2011 3:19 AM

Guest :

HSP do things with speed and accuracy. I too have these personality traits and I have been told I am quite speedy and accurate with my creations. I sew and can make 30 costumes in a week. Not all HSP have exact personality traits but this seems to be a pretty accurate description of both my daughter and myself

Feb 5, 2012 8:36 PM

Guest :

I feel better to know that I am not alone with this personality trait.

Feb 21, 2012 9:21 PM

Guest :

First of all I must say it’s so refreshing to be among someone that understands what it’s like to be an HSP. Only a few close friends know as I feel I would open myself up to criticism and be made fun of. ?Being an HSP introvert is a challenge in a society that no only does not understand, but one that is highly competitive.
Although I do well at task that require accuracy, speed and detail, I hate the pressures and stress at work.
Reading other guests comments, I too experience having trouble concentrating under pressure, I too cry over other people’s pain and then my own.
I do find that being highly sensitive offers protections against those that do not have good intentions.
Reading Elaine Aron’s book HSP
Home is my sanctuary, I often wear earplugs and sleep to a white noise machine. I find that music, art and scents has a profound effect on me.
I’ve learned to create my own safety bubble in whatever way possible. What may work for me, may not work for you, but I invite you to try them.
I wear protective gemstones, like citrine and or black tourmaline. I keep a black onyx in my pocket. I cleanse myself by taking a relaxing bath and include sea salt to remove the negative energy. I feel so much better afterwards; I also smudge myself with white sage. The smell is incredible!
Again, this is my personal information, please do not judge. I simply offer solutions as I too, am a highly sensitive introvert. I discovered the above by sheer instinct and to keep my sanity. For years, prior knowing that my being “so sensitive” was in fact being a highly sensitive person, I worked in a very stressful environment as a customer relations rep in a highly competitive business. It drained me, emotionally, spiritually and physically. So these solutions helped, particularly the salt bath. I use natural oils as a moisturizer
When it comes to food; I try to eat clean. No caffeine, I gave up my beloved chocolate but it was worth it. I did not realize that the intense itching was my nervous system on a meltdown. I learned to accept simple small meals as my digestive system is just as sensitive. I drink room temperature water or herbal tea. I rarely watch television, too stimulating. I love the quiet, oh how I love it!
During my lunch hour, I retreat to the backseat of my car to have a quiet lunch, it calms me down.

For more information please see:

- From hypersensitivity to high sensitivity
Becoming the angel that you are
Gerrit Gielen
- Creative Ritual: Spiritual Protection for Empaths & Highly Sensitive People thecaptainslady

Feb 29, 2012 8:51 PM

Guest :

Not only am I sensitive but I also have social anxiety, so I feel like I'm super sensitive. My neighbors are very noisy. They have loud mufflers on their cars and play loud music with the base so loud I was shaking. I found out about sound conditioners some years ago when a friend read about it in Ann Landers. I used to sleep with a fan in the winter which was hard until I found about them. You can get them from Marpac. I saw that someone had mentioned the sound machines when I was reading the comments from other people. I know we are sensitive but the world is too noisy. Not that long ago it was frowned upon if a neighbor was too loud. It was considered disrespectful. I agree with a person who commented that we should all move to a quiet place. A nice peaceful town. My street actually was fairly quiet but several people moved out that had been here for years and everything changed. All the families that moved in didn't seem to care about imposing their noise on other people. I feel like I'm not alone after reading everyones comments.

Mar 14, 2012 9:13 AM

Guest :

I am a HSP and an Introvert and finding working in an office setting very difficult and hard to get away from all the stimili but find that having time to myself daily does help. Have also found working from home one day a week helps. I am very sensititive to others moods. Also sensitive to smells, loud noises, tastes, caffeine, etc. But most of my family and friends have been very supportive but I'm very cautious on who I explain my personality trait too. Not everyone would understand this trait. But a word of advice to all HSP embrace who you are and love yourself. There are a lot of special traits we have that others don't. Being an HSP isn't anything to be ashambed of we have a lot to offer to the world.

33 Comments