Highly Sensitive Person Scale Research Articles

Cut-off scores for sensitivity interpretation of the Korean Highly Sensitive Person Scale

This study aimed to replicate findings on sensitivity groups, their proportions, and cut-off scores in a South Korean population. Uniquely, it extended the age range to include participants up to 80 years old, representing the first attempt to validate these constructs across such a broad age spectrum in this cultural context. A total of 1773 South Koreans in their 20s to 80s participated in the Highly Sensitive Person Scale (HSPS) questionnaire survey, conducted to establish a cut-off score to be used more conveniently in real-world scenarios. The results showed that 22.0%, 45.3%, and 32.7% belonged to the low-, medium-, and high-sensitivity groups, respectively. The average item scores of 3.81 and 4.73 served as cut-off points distinguishing low- from medium-sensitivity and medium- from high-sensitivity groups, respectively. This study represents applied research on the use of HSPS. Research on HSPS cut-off scores considering cultural or demographic characteristics is still in its early stages, and accumulating data through various surveys is key for in-depth comparative analyses.

The DOES Scale: Measuring Sensory Processing Sensitivity as a Trait Constellation

Based on Aron’s (2020) DOES model, we developed the DOES Scale to measure Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS) with four dimensions: Depth of Processing, Overstimulation, Emotional Reactivity, and Sensing the Subtle. Using interview data from the study by Roth et al. (2023), we created a 20-item questionnaire (5 items per dimension) in German and English. In three studies with 1,365 subjects from Switzerland, Germany, Austria, and the UK, we evaluated the psychometric properties of the scale using confirmatory factor analysis and examined construct validity with the established Highly Sensitive Person Scale (HSPS) and different personality measures. The results confirmed each subscale’s unidimensionality and good psychometric properties. Considering the four subscales together indicated that they could be best described as correlated factors rather than in terms of a second-order factor. Convergent validity was confirmed, especially for Overstimulation in its association with the HSPS total score and its subscales EOE and LST. Regarding discriminant validity, the Sensing the Subtle dimension exhibited clear distinctiveness, while the other three subscales overlapped with neuroticism, extraversion, empathy, and rumination, aligning with theoretical expectations. The DOES Scale emerges as a reliable, valid tool for assessing SPS, recommending its four dimensions be interpreted as a trait constellation.

An investigation testing the perceptual advantage of Sensory Processing Sensitivity and its associations with the Big Five personality traits

This study investigated whether sensory processing sensitivity (SPS) is associated with a perceptual advantage, rather than just heightened brain, emotional and behavioural reactivity. Participants (N = 222) were tested on detection and identification of visually degraded words at three levels of difficulty, and completed the Highly Sensitive Person Scale (HSPS) and the Big Five Inventory. The positive subscale of the HSPS predicted both the detection and identification of visually degraded stimuli, and beyond the Big Five traits. This contradicts claims that SPS is solely a combination of Big Five traits. Importantly, the perceptual advantage for highly sensitives may balance the disadvantages of being easily overwhelmed by stimuli and indicates separate evolutionary advantages and strategies for high and low SPS humans and other mammals.

Sensory processing sensitivity in relation to coping strategies: exploring the mediating role of depression, anxiety and stress

Existing research on sensory processing sensitivity (SPS) focuses majorly on populations involving children, those with Autism Spectrum Disorder, and those belonging to the Western countries. This study aims to contribute in bridging this gap by exploring the mediating role of Depression, Anxiety, Stress on the relationship between SPS and coping strategies in the general population, while also assessing the prevalence of these variables. Data was collected from a convenience sample of 107 participants (mean age = 20.6 years, 57.9% females). Participants’ responses were recorded for the Highly Sensitive Person Scale (HSPS), the Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale (DASS-21), and the Coping Strategies Inventory-Short Form (CSI-SF). Correlational and mediation analyses of SPS, coping strategies and Depression, Anxiety and Stress were done. In the sample, 31.78% of individuals were found to be Highly Sensitive Persons (HSPs). The findings revealed significant relationships between SPS, Depression, Anxiety, Stress and coping strategies. Depression and Anxiety were observed to be significant mediators. While SPS as a trait may not be inherently modifiable, our results on its association with emotion-focused disengagement coping provide insight into target dysfunctional patterns for effective management of depression, stress, and anxiety. Further research is warranted to enhance the applicability of this study.

The development and validation of the “SENSE” − Sensory and Behavioral Modulation Questionnaire for adults

Sensory modulation is critical for interacting with the physical and social environment. When sensory input from the environment is not properly perceived and modulated, it may elevate arausability, avoidant behavior, impair function and wellbeing. Sensory modulation difficulties (SMD) are mainly reported during childhood and are related to neurodevelopmental conditions such as Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). SMD in adulthood further deteriorate function and emotional status, hence should be screened and treated. Nonetheless, relevant measures of SMD for adults are limited. This study aims to establish the psychometric properties of the “SENSE” - Sensory and Behavioral Modulation Questionnaire for adults. Based on theoretical/clinical knowledge the SENSE measures sensitivity/arousability, habituation and avoidance. After establishing content and face validity, 663 participants aged 18–65 completed a sociodemographic and health questionnaire, the Adult ADHD Scale-5 (ASRS-5), the SENSE and the Highly Sensitive Person Scale (HSPS). Factor analysis approved the determination of SENSE scales. Medium- high internal consistency was found. SENSE discriminated between adults with/without ADHD and correlated with HSPS scores, confirming concurrent validity. ConclusionsSENSE has good psychometric properties and may be feasible for screening sensory-behavioral modulation difficulties in adults. Studies should further examine SENSE applicability to clinical populations.

Sensory processing sensitivity is negatively associated with sensation seeking

BackgroundThis study investigated the relationship between sensory processing sensitivity and sensation seeking.Participants and procedureThe sample consisted of 625 subjects (n women = 225, n men = 400). Sensory processing sensitivity was assessed using the Highly Sensitive Person Scale (HSPS), and sensation seeking with the Arnett Inventory of Sensation Seeking (AISS).ResultsAISS accounted for 11.1% of the variance in HSPS. Regression analyses revealed a negative association between AISS Intensity and HSPS. There was no significant association between AISS Novelty and HSPS. Men exhibited lower scores on HSPS but displayed higher scores on AISS Novelty and AISS Intensity compared to women.ConclusionsWe found gender differences and a negative association between sensory processing sensitivity and the intensity dimension of sensation seeking. The results confirm that HSPS captures the intensity of complex sensory stimulation. Sensory processing sensitivity and sensation seeking could be seen as theoretically connected and overlapping phenomena.

High sensitivity groups with distinct personality patterns: a person-centered perspective.

Sensory-processing sensitivity (SPS) refers to interindividual differences in sensitivity to positive and negative environmental stimuli and reflects the concept of differential susceptibility. The Highly Sensitive Person Scale (HSPS) has been utilized to capture the multifaceted experiences of highly sensitive individuals. The scale's total score (i.e., the sum of the subfactors) is an indicator of high sensitivity. However, it cannot differentiate between the contributions of the specific subfactors. Consequently, interpreting the total score cannot help resolve the current theoretical debate about how individuals integrate the positive and negative aspects of sensitivity, whereas a multidimensional profile should be able to offer a more comprehensive understanding. Intriguingly, in variable-centered research, the subfactors' differential associations with external constructs in negative or positive trait spaces have suggested heterogeneity (i.e., interindividual differences) among highly sensitive individuals. Thus, person-centered approaches should be better suited to address this heterogeneity. To explore heterogeneity within the highly sensitive population, we conducted a three-step Latent Profile Analysis in two independent German-speaking samples (N = 1,102; N = 526). Subsequently, we employed the Five-Factor Model of personality to provide a detailed description of the latent sensitivity groups. Beyond the frequently identified quantitative three-class differentiation of sensitivity groups, we obtained a four-class model that included two qualitatively different high-sensitivity groups, each displaying distinct HSPS subfactor and personality patterns that corresponded to prototypical personality profiles. Within these high sensitivity groups, (i) the Confident Sensitivity Group exhibited average Neuroticism, significantly above-average Openness, and slightly above-average Extraversion. By contrast, (ii) the Vulnerable Sensitivity Group displayed the typical personality pattern of significantly above-average Neuroticism, below-average Extraversion, and slightly above-average Openness. Personality analyses revealed that features such as passiveness, internalizing tendencies, giftedness, and aesthetics, often commonly ascribed to all highly sensitive individuals, are features that differ across distinct sensitivity groups. To avoid over- or underestimating sensitivity effects, future research should consider these interindividual differences in highly sensitive individuals. For instance, studies could focus on the different associations of sensitivity groups with abilities, health aspects, emotion regulation and intervention outcomes, taking into account the different environmental factors that shape the type of sensitivity.

Polish adaptation of the Highly Sensitive Person Scale

Aim: Sensory processing sensitivity is defined as a personality trait that describes the tendency to process stimuli and information more strongly and deeply than others (Aron et al., 2012). The first and most frequently used scale to measure this trait is the Highly Sensitive Person Scale (HSPS) by Aron and Aron (1997). The article presents the process of creating the Polish adaptation of the tool. Method: Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis were used. The psychometric properties were checked on a sample of 1,360 participants. Results: The obtained results confirm the multifactorial structure of the variable. In the Polish adaptation of the tool (HSPS), two separate factors were recognized: excessive stimulation and depth of processing. Six items were excluded due to their low factor loadings. The results indicate that the Polish version of the HSPS is a reliable tool. Its accuracy is also confirmed by correlations with neuroticism and extraversion, which, according to the theory, are statistically significantly related to the SPS construct (Aron & Aron, 1997). Conclusion: The Polish adaptation of the scale demonstrated good psychometric properties and high reliability. However, research on the cultural aspect of sensory processing sensitivity should be continued, taking into account gender differences.

Sensitivity and Attachment in an Italian Sample of Hikikomori Adolescents and Young Adults.

Hikikomori is a severe form of social withdrawal increasing among the young Italian population. Hikikomori has been connected to psychological problems and high environmental sensitivity. Nevertheless, only a few studies have been carried out in the Italian context, and they did not analyze several aspects strictly related to the hikikomori phenomenon, such as the role of attachment and sensitivity. We aimed to investigate the relationship between attachment, sensitivity, and psychological problems in a sample of Italian hikikomori. Our sample comprised 72 Italian adolescents and young adults (49 males and 23 females), meanly aged 22.5 years, recruited through online forums and clinical centers for the hikikomori phenomenon. Our participants fulfilled the Highly Sensitive Person Scale (HSPS), the Attachment Style Questionnaire (ASQ), and the Hopkins Symptom Checklist (SCL-90-R). The results showed high psychological issues (i.e., depression and anxiety), environmental sensitivity, and insecure attachment orientations. Moreover, we discovered a significant relationship between attachment dimensions, environmental sensitivity, and psychopathology. Our study sheds light on a novel research path and could help both the researchers and the clinicians who work with people suffering from social withdrawal.

Dimensionality and Validation of the Highly Sensitive Person Scale (HSPS) in a Dutch General Population Sample and Two Clinical Samples

Abstract: Previous studies on the Highly Sensitive Person Scale (HSPS) were primarily conducted in highly selective, mostly student populations. The objective of the present study was to examine the factor structure of the Dutch HSPS in the general population ( n = 998), prolonged fatigue ( n = 340), and chronic pain samples ( n = 283), and investigate its psychometric properties. The factorial structure of the HSPS was assessed by an exploratory factor analysis, followed by a confirmatory factor analysis. To this end, the overall sample consisting of 1,621 subjects was randomly split into two subsamples. The factor structure was subsequently confirmed in the general population, fatigue, and chronic pain samples separately. A bi-factor model, consisting of a general factor and three separate factors, provided the best fit to the data in each sample. The three separate factors, capturing different dimensions of sensory processing sensitivity, were labeled “Ease of Excitation” (11 items), “Sensory and Aesthetic Sensitivity” (5 items), and “Low Sensory Threshold” (5 items). Internal consistency was satisfactory. Distinct patterns of associations were found between these factors and (un)related personality constructs.

Physiological Evaluation for Highly Sensitive Person using Facial Expression and Motor Imagery

The term “Highly Sensitive Person” (HSP) refers to an individual’s temperament. They have common characteristics with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and other, and their central feature is a high empathy. However, the questionnaires may be inaccurate because they depend on the examinee’s self-perception. Conversely, emotional empathy and activation of mirror neurons are as characteristics of HSP. We thought a quantitative evaluation of people with HSP would be possible if we could physiologically measure these characteristics. In this study, we investigated the correlation between the Highly Sensitive Person Scale (HSPS) and changes in alpha wave band power induced by facial expression stimulation and the event-related desynchronization (ERD) induced by the video of motor imagery as physiological indicators. The results showed HSPS scores of above 100 had an ERD of above 50%, indicating mirror system activity. Furthermore, HSPS scores of above 100 had lower alpha wave band power values when presented sadness face images.

Functional separability of sensory-processing sensitivity and interoception

When we recognize self, it is necessary to integrate sensory information from the environment with information from inside the body. However, it is unclear whether all individuals have the same susceptibility to exteroception and interoception. The present study investigated relationships between sensory-processing sensitivity and interoceptive awareness through self-reporting measures. Two hundred and one healthy people (21–60 years old) completed the highly sensitive person (HSP) scale and the multidimensional assessment of interoceptive awareness (MAIA). Consistent with previous findings, a bifactor model provided a better fit to the HSP scale data. Latent profile analysis showed the existence of high and low HSP groups. Factor analysis revealed that two factors, “Environmental Sensitivity” and “Bodily Sensitivity,” were extracted from the HSP scale and MAIA. This suggests that sensitivity to exteroception is functionally separable from that of interoception within each individual.

Sensory-processing sensitivity versus the sensory-processing theory: Convergence and divergence.

Two individual-difference theories focus on sensory sensitivity: one emanating from psychology-sensory-processing-sensitivity (SPS); and one from occupational therapy-sensory processing theory (SP). Each theory is coupled with its measure: the highly-sensitive-person scale (HSPS) and the adolescent adult sensory profile (ASP). The constructs of both theories were claimed to be independent of neuroticism. To assess the convergence of these measures, we recruited participants from a general population and a Facebook Group dedicated to people high in SPS. The participants, N = 1,702 M age = 26.9 (66.7% female), answered the HSPS, ASP, and neuroticism questionnaires. We subjected the HSPS and the APS to exploratory graph analysis. To assess the divergence of these measures from neuroticism, we performed meta-analyses. We also used a subsample obtained in an unrelated study, N = 490, to correlate HSPS and APS with the Big Five and additional measures. The results suggested that (a) the latent structure of these measures conforms to the theories only partially, (b) some of the sub-scales of these two measures correlated highly, r = 0.63, but low enough to suggest divergence, (c) both differentially predict membership in a Facebook group, and (d) both are not isomorphic with neuroticism. We concluded that HSPS primarily measures the emotional reaction to sensory stimulation, whereas ASP the behavioral reactions. We offer shorter yet reliable measures for both theories.

Paranormal experiences, sensory-processing sensitivity, and the priming of pareidolia.

This investigation tested the effect of priming on pareidolia (the hearing of illusory words in ambiguous stimuli). Participants (41 women, 20 men, mean age 29.95 years) were assigned to primed (n = 30) or unprimed (n = 31) groups: the former were told the study was of ‘purported ghosts voices’, the latter ‘voices in noisy environments.’ Participants were assessed for perception of human voices within recordings of purported electronic voice phenomena (EVP), degraded human speech, normal human speech, and white noise. The primed group had significantly higher perception of voices within EVPs than in degraded speech, this difference was not found for unprimed participants. In contrast to the previous use of this design, the primed group did not have higher perception of voices in EVPs and degraded speech than did the unprimed group. The Aesthetic Sensitivity dimension of the Highly Sensitive Person Scale (HSPS) was associated with detection of degraded stimuli, but not with accuracy of stimulus identification. HSPS score was related to lifetime reporting of anomalous and paranormal experiences. This study partially replicates a paranormal priming effect and shows relationships between HSPS and detection of ambiguous stimuli and anomalous and paranormal experiences.

Subjective Sensitivity to Exteroceptive and Interoceptive processing in Highly Sensitive Person.

A highly sensitive person is known to have greater levels of sensory processing sensitivity (SPS) referring to a personality trait to exhibit high stimulation and arousal while processing subtle sensory signals. However, how SPS levels reflect the profile of sensitivity in exteroceptive and interoceptive sensory processing remains inadequately understood. Thus, we collected data using the Highly Sensitive Person Scale (HSPS), the Glasgow Sensory Questionnaire (GSQ), and the Body Perception Questionnaire-Short Form (BPQ-SF) from 600 Japanese adults, and examined their relationships. The results revealed that SPS levels, assessed by the HSPS, were significantly, positively correlated with hypersensitivity scores of the GSQ in several exteroceptive sensory domains. Further, SPS levels were positively correlated with sensitivity in interoceptive awareness assessed by the BPQ-SF; however, it does so scarcely. Our findings suggest that SPS levels reflect a subjective sensitivity to exteroceptive sensory processing regardless of sensory domains and narrowly to the interoceptive sensory processing.

Furthering the Clinical and Research Utility of the Highly Sensitive Person Scale: Cluster Analysis of Gender Differences and Risks for Depression and Anxiety

Important questions remain about the clinical and research utility of the Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) scale, particularly related to gender. Thus, a cluster analysis was conducted with 414 university undergraduates, using the HSP scale, the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale, and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale Revised, resulting in parsimonious four-cluster models: four clusters of women and four clusters of men. Three of the four cluster types were consistent across both men and women: non-distressed medium sensitivity (low anxiety and depression, mid-range HSP), non-distressed low sensitivity (low anxiety and depression, low HSP), and distressed high sensitivity (moderate/high anxiety and depression, high HSP). Differences were found in the fourth type. A cluster of women were non-distressed and highly sensitive (low anxiety and depression, high HSP), while the fourth type of men were distressed medium sensitivity (moderate/high anxiety and depression, mid-range HSP). Scores on the HSP scale total (α = .88) indicated adequate internal consistency and external (divergent) validity, with medium effect sizes related to social desirability bias. Internal structural validity indicated a poor fit of the data to previously proposed one- to three-dimensional models. Counseling practice and research implications are discussed.

Environmental sensitivity predicts interpersonal sensitivity above and beyond Big Five personality traits

We investigated whether environmental sensitivity, as measured by the Highly Sensitive Person Scale (HSPS), predicts constructs related to interpersonal sensitivity above and beyond Big Five traits. In Study 1 (N = 1377), we first examined the HSPS factor structure and found a two-factor solution to be most optimal. We then found that the two HSPS factors were significantly associated with constructs related to three domains of interpersonal sensitivity such as empathy (positive interpersonal sensitivity), social anxiety (negative interpersonal sensitivity), and theory of mind (social cognitive ability), and explained unique variance above and beyond neuroticism, extraversion, agreeableness, and openness. In Study 2 (N = 1240), we replicated most of these findings after statistically controlling for all Big Five personality traits.

Localizing sensory processing sensitivity and its subdomains within its relevant trait space: a data-driven approach

Sensitivity arising from enhanced processing of external and internal stimuli or sensory processing sensitivity (SPS) is known to be present in a sizable portion of the population. Yet a clear localization of SPS and its subdomains with respect to other relevant traits is currently lacking. Here, we used a data-driven approach including hierarchical clustering, t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding (t-SNE) and graph learning to portrait SPS as measured by Highly Sensitive Person Scale (HSPS) in relation to the Big-Five Inventory (neuroticism, extraversion, openness, agreeableness, and conscientiousness) as well as to shyness, alexithymia, autism quotient, anxiety, and depression (11 total traits) using data from more than 800 participants. Analysis revealed SPS subdomains to be divided between two trait clusters with questions related to aesthetic sensitivity (AES) falling within a cluster of mainly positive traits and neighbored by openness while questions addressing ease of excitation (EOE) and low sensory threshold (LST) to be mostly contained within a cluster of negative traits and neighbored by neuroticism. A similar spread across clusters was seen for questions addressing autism consistent with it being a spectrum disorder, in contrast, alexithymia subdomains were closely fit within the negative cluster. Together, our results support the view of SPS as a distinct yet non-unitary trait and provide insights for further refinements of the current SPS concept and scales.

Conceptual ambiguities and measurement issues in sensory processing sensitivity

The aim of the article is (1) to critically discuss Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS) in light of personality theories and (2) to examine the validity of the only available measure of SPS, the Highly Sensitive Person Scale (HSPS). Study 1 (N = 289) examines the relations of the HSPS with facets of the Big Five. In Study 2 (N = 226), the HSPS’ relation to emotion recognition ability is estimated after controlling for the Big Five. In contrast to previous studies, these relationships are estimated at the level of latent variables. Our data suggest that SPS highly overlaps with established personality traits, and its relation with emotion recognition ability can be fully explained by Neuroticism and Openness to Experience.

Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Validation of the Highly Sensitive Person Scale to the Adult Spanish Population (HSPS-S).

PurposeThis article describes a cross-cultural adaptation of the Highly Sensitive Person Scale (HSPS) to the adult Spanish population, and psychometric analysis of its validation and reliability.MethodsConvenience sampling by participant accessibility was used. The original version was adapted culturally and linguistically using the back-translation method, and a pilot study was done with 88 participants. Data processing and analysis was performed with the SPSS v.25 and LISREL v.9.2 statistical packages. The psychometric properties were studied in a sample of 8358 participants using exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis, and examining factorial invariance and internal consistency.ResultsThe results confirmed a Spanish version with 27 items in five-dimensions: sensitivity to overstimulation (SOS), aesthetic sensitivity (AES), low sensory threshold (LST), fine psychophysiological discrimination (FPD) and harm avoidance (HA). Invariance across gender of this factor structure was demonstrated and reliability indices were good.ConclusionThese findings demonstrate that the HSPS is an appropriate tool for evaluating high sensitivity in the adult Spanish population.