What Is High Sensitivity?
In psychology, high sensitivity refers to a personality trait known as Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS) — the defining feature of being a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP). This concept was first researched and popularized by psychologist Dr. Elaine Aron in the 1990s. High sensitivity is characterized by:
- Feeling emotions (both positive and negative) more intensely
- Becoming overstimulated easily
- Increased awareness of other people’s emotions
- Needing more downtime
- Deeply thinking about and processing experiences and emotions
How Common Is High Sensitivity?
High sensitivity is not a disorder but rather a personality trait. It is equally present in men and women and is found in 20-30% of the population. Research (including twin and family studies by Dr. Elaine Aron, Dr. Michael Pluess, and others) shows that sensory processing sensitivity (SPS) runs in families.
Genes involved in neurotransmitter systems which regulate reward, mood, and bonding are believed to contribute. These genes affect how reactive a person’s nervous system and brain are to stimuli. There is measurable evidence in how an HSP’s brain processes information and stimuli. Brain imaging studies (like those using fMRI) have found that highly sensitive people show:
- More activation in brain regions related to awareness, empathy, and decision-making
- Stronger responses to emotional or social cues — like facial expressions or art
This means their brains literally notice and process more information from each experience.
Benefits and Challenges
While highly sensitive people may find it challenging to move through daily life in many respects, it is important to recognize the strengths and benefits they bring to those around them. They include:
- Deep empathy and emotional intelligence
- Great appreciation for the natural world
- Creativity
- Strong values and integrity
Many of the benefits associated with being a highly sensitive person tend to be experienced by those around them, while the challenges are often carried primarily by the HSP themselves. Here are some of them:
- Low self esteem and feeling misunderstood
- Emotional exhaustion
- Self criticism
- Difficulty handling change or conflict
What Highly Sensitive People Need Most
HSPs thrive in calm predictable environments. Their nervous systems are finely tuned — they take in more sensory and emotional data than most.
However, we know that life can be anything but predictable, so when something unexpected happens, it is important they have the downtime to process and recharge. Even after positive events like parties or celebrations, they may need extra time to regulate in a calm space.
HSPs value deep meaningful relationships. They need partners and friends who understand and accept how they interact with and process the world around them. They look for authenticity and alignment and have a strong sense of values and integrity. Relationships that are consistent with their values are fulfilling while shallow ones are exhausting.
How HSP Impacts Your Relationship
According to Nicole Schiener, MEd, RP (and HSP-Knowledgeable Therapist), the highly sensitive person may find themselves experiencing the following in their relationship/marriage:
- Getting easily overwhelmed by arguments, raised voices or expressions of anger or disappointment
- Over-giving or over-functioning leading to resentment and burnout
- Having stronger emotional reactions than their partner
- Personalizing their partner’s emotions
- Difficulty with decision making
- Craving a deeper connection
Building Connection Through Sensitivity
Schiener says that it’s particularly important for highly sensitive people and their partners to practice the Gottman concept of ‘Turning Towards’ in their relationship. This means responding positively to your partner’s bids for connection- any attempts one partner makes to get attention, affection, or emotional connection. This looks like making eye contact, putting away distractions and asking questions to show interest.
The goal, Schiener says, is not to get rid of sensitivity but to deepen understanding and support of it by emphasizing strengths and talking about each other’s needs. Practice small things often to maintain a positive connection and protect against burnout. When misunderstandings occur, make and accept repairs.
The Power of Turning Towards Sensitivity
Highly sensitive individuals bring exceptional depth, empathy, and awareness to their relationships — qualities that, when nurtured, can foster deep emotional intimacy. Integrating Gottman’s concept of ‘turning towards’ highlights how small moments of responsiveness and presence are key to maintaining connection and trust. For HSPs, these micro-interactions serve as emotional anchors, reinforcing security and mutual understanding. By intentionally recognizing and responding to each other’s bids for connection, partners can transform sensitivity into a source of relational strength, resilience, and enduring love.
