Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) Self-Test

HSP (Highly Sensitive Person) Scale/test developed by Dr. Elaine Aron and colleagues. The HSP Scale assesses the trait of Sensory‑Processing Sensitivity (SPS) — a personality/temperament trait involving deeper processing of stimuli, higher emotional reactivity, and greater sensitivity to subtleties in the environment. The term HSP (Highly Sensitive Person) refers to individuals scoring relatively high on this trait. Aron estimated about 15-30% of the population. Important: It is not a clinical diagnosis or disorder but a trait — a variant of normal human sensitivity.

Aron summarizes core characteristics (acronym D.O.E.S.):

• D – Depth of Processing: taking more time to reflect, notice patterns, pause before action.

• O – Overstimulation: more easily overwhelmed by sensory, emotional or social stimuli.

• E – Emotional Reactivity & Empathy: stronger responses to both positive and negative stimuli.

• S – Sensing the Subtle: more aware of fine details, subtle cues, internal or external changes.

* Also: Higher sensitivity to caffeine, pain, hunger, intense stimuli; stronger inner world.