Highly sensitive? Science shows your depth of feeling isn't a flaw — it's a strength

IF YOU find yourself wiping away tears during the opening minutes of The Impossible or flinching at loud restaurant music, you’re not overreacting.

- VUYILE MADWANTSI

You might be what psychologists call a highly sensitive person (HSP). This means you experience and process the world more deeply than most people.

What is an HSP in plain terms?

The term originates from decades of research into a trait psychologists refer to as sensory processing sensitivity (SPS).

Pioneered by Elaine Aron in the 1990s, SPS describes people who sense subtleties others miss and process experiences more deeply.

HSPs tend to notice small details, feel emotions strongly, and can get overwhelmed by things like bright lights, loud noises or busy places.

About 15 to 30% of people are HSPs.

They experience a richer emotional and sensory life, but this is not considered a disorder.