Personality test - are you a highly sensitive person?

[joe]

http://hsperson.com/test/highly-sensitive-test/

About 20% of humans are born with a highly sensitive neural system. These people are more aware of what is occurring around them. They notice more in their environment. They tend to process things for longer time, and more deeply, than others. They have higher empathy. They are more affected by negative childhood events. They have trouble making decisions. They are often creative. Loud noises bother them more than they bother non-sensitive people. The same for distinct smells, tastes, or textures. They will often have a deeper appreciation for things like music or art. They become emotionally exhausted more quickly than others, and often need time to recharge, alone.

As I read more about this trait last year, I realized immediately that I was one of the 20%. It really cleared up a lot of confusion and helped me understand myself a lot better. I am really happy to have this trait, although it can be challenging at times. I wouldnt want to live life any other way.

Anyways, I am curious if anyone else here has this trait. This test was created by Dr. Elaine Aron, the psychologist who initially discovered and has led much research on the topic of highly sensitive people. Since then, the scientific community has discovered this trait in many others species, always right around that 20% number. The trait has been documented in ants, birds, humans, and many other species. It is something a person is born with, and it is even evident in babies.

Even if you arent an HSP, it might still be interesting to learn about. Simply because, there may be an HSP in your family, friend group, or maybe even your girlfriend- if people on the internet actually had girlfriends. I think it is something that more people should be aware of and I just find it to be a really interesting topic. Tell me what you think!

[Dresta]

17

[LJJ]

One of those things people love to convince themselves that they have.

[joe]

One of those things people love to convince themselves that they have.

I know the kinds of things you are talking about, but that is not the case. This isnt pseudo science, it is well documented in both the psychology and science fields.

[Budadiiii]

:roll:

Not surprised you're one of the 20%. You do seem ultra sensitive. Your avatar and the way you post is ****ing hilarious to me.

[Swaggin916]

23

I know I am highly sensitive. There is a percentage of people who are just opposite and it's like they are walking around drunk all the time with low sensitivity... I can just tell by the way they are acting their normal state of being must feel much different than mine. Stimulation doesn't effect them as much. There is a reason for both existing.

[Budadiiii]

23

I know I am highly sensitive. There is a percentage of people who are just opposite and it's like they are walking around drunk all the time with low sensitivity... I can just tell by the way they are acting their normal state of being must feel much different than mine. Stimulation doesn't effect them as much. There is a reason for both existing.
:roll:

My 2nd favorite poster. I love you guys.

I scored a 3.

[iamgine]

Quite a dumb test. Vague statements that can be interpreted so many ways. How you score just depends on whatever you want to be.

[DeuceWallaces]

I know the kinds of things you are talking about, but that is not the case. This isnt pseudo science, it is well documented in both the psychology and science fields.

This is exactly one of those things. In fact, most of the manuscripts the author is publishing are in open source journals that don't even have an impact factor.

You are not HSP; or anything neurologically enhanced. You are a loser on the internet spouting right wing talking points who lacks original thought. This is neck-beard internet bullshit.

[CP343]

**** This Test! I'm Not Sensitive!

[joe]

This is exactly one of those things. In fact, most of the manuscripts the author is publishing are in open source journals that don't even have an impact factor.

You are not HSP; or anything neurologically enhanced. You are a loser on the internet spouting right wing talking points who lacks original thought. This is neck-beard internet bullshit.


Did I use the word enhanced? No, that was your word. Fact, high sensitivity is an adapted survival strategy that is found in approximately 20% of SEVERAL species of animals, not just humans. It does not make me or anyone special, it is simply a genetic trait.

You have spent about 5 seconds reading about something that I have spent months. Perhaps a little humility? We disagree politically so everything I say is a complete farce?

I will not give in to your negativity however, with you being one of the most predictably aggressive and angry posters I have seen on any site. I cannot remember one positive thing that has been written in one of your posts. I am glad I do not have to walk around with whatever disgusting feeling you must have in your chest every single day.

[joe]

Quite a dumb test. Vague statements that can be interpreted so many ways. How you score just depends on whatever you want to be.

The test can only be an initial guide, the only true way to know where you stand is to learn more about high sensitivity. I still have trouble answering most of the questions on that test.

Some things to consider are, do you find yourself in deep states of thinking often? Do little events and occurrences tend to stick in your mind for a long while? Are you more empathetic than others, in general? Do you quickly (or somewhat quickly) get burnt out from social interaction, and feel that you need time to recharge? Do insults really make you think and stick with you?

This one is a bit harder to figure out: Do you tend to notice little things in your environment? This is thought to be one of the biggest advantages of high sensitivity, from an evolutionary stand point. For example, a highly sensitive deer would be very aware of little details to the environment. Perhaps a slight sound (could be a predator stalking in the woods). Perhaps the leaves looking a very slightly different color than normal. This behavior represents a trade off, because the deer might ''psyche'' itself out of good opportunities; running from a potential food source because it is wary of a non-existent predator. Whereas, a normally sensitive deer would just dive right in and grab the food. However, his trade-off is..... on the rare occasion, there actually IS a bear behind that bush.

[Budadiiii]

The test can only be an initial guide, the only true way to know where you stand is to learn more about high sensitivity. I still have trouble answering most of the questions on that test.

Some things to consider are, do you find yourself in deep states of thinking often? Do little events and occurrences tend to stick in your mind for a long while? Are you more empathetic than others, in general? Do you quickly (or somewhat quickly) get burnt out from social interaction, and feel that you need time to recharge? Do insults really make you think and stick with you?

This one is a bit harder to figure out: Do you tend to notice little things in your environment? This is thought to be one of the biggest advantages of high sensitivity, from an evolutionary stand point. For example, a highly sensitive deer would be very aware of little details to the environment. Perhaps a slight sound (could be a predator stalking in the woods). Perhaps the leaves looking a very slightly different color than normal. This behavior represents a trade off, because the deer might ''psyche'' itself out of good opportunities; running from a potential food source because it is wary of a non-existent predator. Whereas, a normally sensitive deer would just dive right in and grab the food. However, his trade-off is..... on the rare occasion, there actually IS a bear behind that bush.
What if you're highly sensitive but also like adventure and the unknown?

I hear a sound but I'm not scared and want to see what it is and have confidence that I'll be able to fight off whatever threat that may be waiting.

Does that make me alpha?

[joe]

What if you're highly sensitive but also like adventure and the unknown?

I hear a sound but I'm not scared and want to see what it is and have confidence that I'll be able to fight off whatever threat that may be waiting.

Does that make me alpha?

Not sure if serious but I will answer seriously. It is known that a lesser amount of HSPs are also thrill and novelty seeking, but they are a slightly more rare group. Being aware of danger, or at least, the potential of danger, does not necessarily mean you have to run from it.

Does it make you alpha? No, negging girls and talking really loudly at the bar makes you alpha.

[iamgine]

The test can only be an initial guide, the only true way to know where you stand is to learn more about high sensitivity. I still have trouble answering most of the questions on that test.

Some things to consider are, do you find yourself in deep states of thinking often? Do little events and occurrences tend to stick in your mind for a long while? Are you more empathetic than others, in general? Do you quickly (or somewhat quickly) get burnt out from social interaction, and feel that you need time to recharge? Do insults really make you think and stick with you?

This one is a bit harder to figure out: Do you tend to notice little things in your environment? This is thought to be one of the biggest advantages of high sensitivity, from an evolutionary stand point. For example, a highly sensitive deer would be very aware of little details to the environment. Perhaps a slight sound (could be a predator stalking in the woods). Perhaps the leaves looking a very slightly different color than normal. This behavior represents a trade off, because the deer might ''psyche'' itself out of good opportunities; running from a potential food source because it is wary of a non-existent predator. Whereas, a normally sensitive deer would just dive right in and grab the food. However, his trade-off is..... on the rare occasion, there actually IS a bear behind that bush.
I'm sure there are ways to determine high sensitivity. That test is not one. It's pretty much useless in determining anything.

And there are different kind of sensitivity. One might detect very slight drop in temperature but no kind of insult will stick to him. Or someone might be very good at noticing very subtle things he can see or hear, but he don't notice smells. You can't just generalize all of it. For most people, they are highly sensitive at some things but not others.

[joe]

23

I know I am highly sensitive. There is a percentage of people who are just opposite and it's like they are walking around drunk all the time with low sensitivity... I can just tell by the way they are acting their normal state of being must feel much different than mine. Stimulation doesn't effect them as much. There is a reason for both existing.

Agreed. These people who can juggle a thousand activities and events and everything else. I would physically not be able to live that kind of life. I prefer things to be a lot more peaceful generally, but with bursts of excitement and activity.

[joe]

I'm sure there are ways to determine high sensitivity. That test is not one. It's pretty much useless in determining anything.

And there are different kind of sensitivity. One might detect very slight drop in temperature but no kind of insult will stick to him. Or someone might be very good at noticing very subtle things he can see or hear, but he don't notice smells. You can't just generalize all of it. For most people, they are highly sensitive at some things but not others.

I did not design the test, so I have no personal stake in it. I would not say it is useless, but I agree that it is very broad. Like I said, it can only be a guide. Some of the questions are extremely difficult to answer with clarity, and would probably take weeks of reflection to truly know the answer.

While everyone can be sensitive in different areas, high sensitivity as a trait is considered an either-or thing. You either are, or you are not. It is not thought of as a sliding scale. Some people are physically attentive to details in their environment, but that would not encapsulate everything about an HSP. That person would not have the same predisposition to deeply processing information, leading to feeling overstimulated and needing time to recharge. That is pretty much the centerpiece of the trait; the way your brain works overtime while processing information. It is also why HSPs have difficulty making quick decisions, because they absorb more details about their choices and take a longer time analyzing which path would be less regretful.

[joe]

:roll:

Not surprised you're one of the 20%. You do seem ultra sensitive. Your avatar and the way you post is ****ing hilarious to me.

Well, maybe you are highly sensitive based on you noticing all of those little things. And maybe I am not because I do not recall many of your posts. Although, I have always liked your username for some reason. Budadiiii. It is one of the better usernames. :P

[DonD13]

:roll:

Not surprised you're one of the 20%. You do seem ultra sensitive. Your avatar and the way you post is ****ing hilarious to me.

:oldlol:

[iamgine]

I did not design the test, so I have no personal stake in it. I would not say it is useless, but I agree that it is very broad. Like I said, it can only be a guide. Some of the questions are extremely difficult to answer with clarity, and would probably take weeks of reflection to truly know the answer.

While everyone can be sensitive in different areas, high sensitivity as a trait is considered an either-or thing. You either are, or you are not. It is not thought of as a sliding scale. Some people are physically attentive to details in their environment, but that would not encapsulate everything about an HSP. That person would not have the same predisposition to deeply processing information, leading to feeling overstimulated and needing time to recharge. That is pretty much the centerpiece of the trait; the way your brain works overtime while processing information. It is also why HSPs have difficulty making quick decisions, because they absorb more details about their choices and take a longer time analyzing which path would be less regretful.
So basically it's a tendency to overthink stimuli, not at all about being extraordinarily aware.

[The Iron Sheik]

23

I know I am highly sensitive. There is a percentage of people who are just opposite and it's like they are walking around drunk all the time with low sensitivity... I can just tell by the way they are acting their normal state of being must feel much different than mine. Stimulation doesn't effect them as much. There is a reason for both existing.

it's more of a state of apathy for me. i'm very aware of what's going on around, it's just that i don't care enough about it to react unless it directly infringes on my comfort

[gigantes]

i have an interesting book about HSP's.

the basic theory makes sense to me-- that a group of humans needs both callous ppl and sensitive ppl, and levels in between, in order to best survive.

[joe]

So basically it's a tendency to overthink stimuli, not at all about being extraordinarily aware.

Overthink to me comes with a negative connotation. Overthinking implies that you are stressing something that is pointless, non-existent, or completely fictional. You are wasting your time just overthinking something. What an HSP does is process information more deeply and thoroughly than most people. They pore over the details, considering every angle. If an HSP has a fight with a friend, every word of the fight will weigh on their mind. What did this slight change of tone mean? What did this word mean, exactly? How come they did not say this, or this, instead? And then they will consider whether they should apologize, whether the other person should apologize, whether or not the fight is even a big deal. Of course, every person goes through this to some extent. But to an HSP it is a thicker process that takes more of their mental energy. Even if only in the back of their mind, this fight will be bothering them. And it is not until they analyze all of this information that they are able to come to a conclusion and act.

The scientific term for highly sensitivity is SPS- sensory processing sensitivity. Processing is really the key word. However, an HSP is probably more attentive to details in their environment. Especially anything they have seen before. Because an HSP will put so much thought into something, they tend to notice it the second time around. An HS girlfriend who has been cheated on will recognize clues that it is happening again. Because they have already spent the time wracking their brains once before, on why they did not realize it last time.

[iamgine]

Overthink to me comes with a negative connotation. Overthinking implies that you are stressing something that is pointless, non-existent, or completely fictional. You are wasting your time just overthinking something. What an HSP does is process information more deeply and thoroughly than most people. They pore over the details, considering every angle. If an HSP has a fight with a friend, every word of the fight will weigh on their mind. What did this slight change of tone mean? What did this word mean, exactly? How come they did not say this, or this, instead? And then they will consider whether they should apologize, whether the other person should apologize, whether or not the fight is even a big deal. Of course, every person goes through this to some extent. But to an HSP it is a thicker process that takes more of their mental energy. Even if only in the back of their mind, this fight will be bothering them. And it is not until they analyze all of this information that they are able to come to a conclusion and act.

The scientific term for highly sensitivity is SPS- sensory processing sensitivity. Processing is really the key word. However, an HSP is probably more attentive to details in their environment. Especially anything they have seen before. Because an HSP will put so much thought into something, they tend to notice it the second time around. An HS girlfriend who has been cheated on will recognize clues that it is happening again. Because they have already spent the time wracking their brains once before, on why they did not realize it last time.
Overthinking is simply to think about something more than necessary. It seems like it's a huge trait of what you're describing.

[joe]

Overthinking is simply to think about something more than necessary. It seems like it's a huge trait of what you're describing.

''Necessary'' is an objective term. How much should people analyze the Mona Lisa? How deeply should people look into their interactions with others? To me it is a huge part of what makes life interesting. I find that my thinking tends to uncover details and factors that make me happy I didn't rush. And it is not always a negative, such as an argument with a friend. There is the positive of analyzing music, art, your relationships, finding ways to be a better friend or person. Or reading a short story and then, three days later, realizing why the character said what they said. I enjoy this over-thinking (as you say), and I do not consider it to be too much or unnecessary.

The downside is that you can't 'turn it off.' When I'm depressed, I can analyze every terrible thing I see about myself in vivid detail. It can be hard to just let go of things. I hate committing to any decision, even simple things like what to eat for dinner. I am like.... ''let me think about it for a few minutes.'' I can be dragged down by arguments or other negativity that is happening in life. Not to mention how the thinking can drain you, and make you just want to get away from everyone. Lock the door, go on Insidehoops, and just be a hermit. But tomorrow, you feel refreshed and you go back to real life.

[joe]

i have an interesting book about HSP's.

the basic theory makes sense to me-- that a group of humans needs both callous ppl and sensitive ppl, and levels in between, in order to best survive.

What's it called?

[Dresta]

This is exactly one of those things. In fact, most of the manuscripts the author is publishing are in open source journals that don't even have an impact factor.

You are not HSP; or anything neurologically enhanced. You are a loser on the internet spouting right wing talking points who lacks original thought. This is neck-beard internet bullshit.
You're a despicable human being really: mediocre, insecure, boring and hostile, and yet, in some way, proud of all these things. A guy simply posts an honest and interesting (certainly by the standards of this website) thread, and all you can do is politicise it, and start whinging about the 'right-wing' as per. Not to mention it's not bragging, and there's nothing special about it (it can, in fact, make life much harder, much more emotionally distressing) - if around 20% of people have it, then it is still pretty common, and thus not something of distinction on its own (only you, in your insecure little mind, thought this was about bragging about being 'enhanced').

Also, you haven't said anything of relevance, and you're completely wrong (it's pretty much a truism that some people are much more sensitive to external stimuli than others, and that artists, classical composers, and other creative types like the best research scientists; mediocre scientists in this day and age aren't much more than drains on money and resources, spending heaps on money on pointless and unscientific studies, that reaffirm the political prejudices of the age). So much junk research out there; so many scientists who aren't creative or imaginative, and should really be teachers.

Nietzsche's senses were so damn sensitive that he could distinguish a quarter-tone and his constitution would be affected by coming changes in the weather, which he could discern. A negative example of this would be someone like Adam Lanza, whose hypersensitivity (at least in my guess), led to a total repudiation of humanity and the world. For a sensitive person with strong moral sentiments (something they often have), the only thing they can do is condemn the world.



Drop the morality joe! You'll feel much better for it. It's best to realise that all things are necessary, and that because of the unity of things (causality, universe starting from single point), to condemn even a single thing in human history, is to repudiate all of existence!



Overthinking is simply to think about something more than necessary. It seems like it's a huge trait of what you're describing.
A pointless distinction, as the mind will continue to think about and process things even when you are not doing it consciously. And if you are doing it consciously, then that is a consequence of a conclusion already formed elsewhere, unconsciously.

In fact, you could do without most if not all of conscious thought (if we did not need its brother, language to communicate with one another). That is the utility of conscious thought: language and communication. Without these things we would have no need to think consciously at all, and would feel a whole lot better because of it.

[ILLsmak]

You're a despicable human being really: mediocre, insecure, boring and hostile, and yet, in some way, proud of all these things. A guy simply posts an honest and interesting (certainly by the standards of this website) thread, and all you can do is politicise it, and start whinging about the 'right-wing' as per. Not to mention it's not bragging, and there's nothing special about it (it can, in fact, make life much harder, much more emotionally distressing) - if around 20% of people have it, then it is still pretty common, and thus not something of distinction on its own (only you, in your insecure little mind, thought this was about bragging about being 'enhanced').

Also, you haven't said anything of relevance, and you're completely wrong (it's pretty much a truism that some people are much more sensitive to external stimuli than others, and that artists, classical composers, and other creative types like the best research scientists; mediocre scientists in this day and age aren't much more than drains on money and resources, spending heaps on money on pointless and unscientific studies, that reaffirm the political prejudices of the age). So much junk research out there; so many scientists who aren't creative or imaginative, and should really be teachers.

Nietzsche's senses were so damn sensitive that he could distinguish a quarter-tone and his constitution would be affected by coming changes in the weather, which he could discern. A negative example of this would be someone like Adam Lanza, whose hypersensitivity (at least in my guess), led to a total repudiation of humanity and the world. For a sensitive person with strong moral sentiments (something they often have), the only thing they can do is condemn the world.



Drop the morality joe! You'll feel much better for it. It's best to realise that all things are necessary, and that because of the unity of things (causality, universe starting from single point), to condemn even a single thing in human history, is to repudiate all of existence!



A pointless distinction, as the mind will continue to think about and process things even when you are not doing it consciously. And if you are doing it consciously, then that is a consequence of a conclusion already formed elsewhere, unconsciously.

In fact, you could do without most if not all of conscious thought (if we did not need its brother, language to communicate with one another). That is the utility of conscious thought: language and communication. Without these things we would have no need to think consciously at all, and would feel a whole lot better because of it.

My shit isn't deleting parts so I am just going to quote this whole long-ass post.

I think one should be careful when deciding whether the 'world made a highly sensitive person crack' or that they were just a psychopath. Generally, barring shit like mental illness or drugs, people might get emo but they aren't going to go ape shit and hurt people if they are sensitive.

Sometimes I wonder whether empathy, in the truer sense, is just a person's imagination. But even if it is, it makes it really hard to hurt someone else.

Furthermore, you can just be autistic, which again is kind of closer to the psychopath spectrum because you lack empathy. I can say a certain blanket pisses me off, and that would make me sensitive, but I don't think that's what people mean when they are talking about a highly sensitive person. Not saying you can't have both, tho.

I believe in Highly Sensitive People. I believe in MBTI shit, too. INFJ!

I think people say people want to be these things because it means "they are special", but in the world one of the worst things you can be is a sensitive male. Women say that's what they want, but they just want someone who listens and says appropriate shit. They don't want a man who is crying all of the time because of the poverty in Africa.

-Smak

[tomSR.]

I become unpleasantly aroused when a lot is going on around me.
.
da fukk does that mean ? .....a boner when you shop at the mall ?...:oldlol: ..............and what exactly is unpleasantly aroused

[Dresta]

My shit isn't deleting parts so I am just going to quote this whole long-ass post.

I think one should be careful when deciding whether the 'world made a highly sensitive person crack' or that they were just a psychopath. Generally, barring shit like mental illness or drugs, people might get emo but they aren't going to go ape shit and hurt people if they are sensitive.

Sometimes I wonder whether empathy, in the truer sense, is just a person's imagination. But even if it is, it makes it really hard to hurt someone else.

Furthermore, you can just be autistic, which again is kind of closer to the psychopath spectrum because you lack empathy. I can say a certain blanket pisses me off, and that would make me sensitive, but I don't think that's what people mean when they are talking about a highly sensitive person. Not saying you can't have both, tho.

I believe in Highly Sensitive People. I believe in MBTI shit, too. INFJ!

I think people say people want to be these things because it means "they are special", but in the world one of the worst things you can be is a sensitive male. Women say that's what they want, but they just want someone who listens and says appropriate shit. They don't want a man who is crying all of the time because of the poverty in Africa.

-Smak
Sure, i mostly agree with you. I still think Lanza was a pretty different though: he had a long period of hypersensitivity that made life unbearable for him, then solitude and learning about human history (solitude often breeds a taste for the morbid), would only make it seem like all of human life is a curse (something he more or less expressed in the only recoding of him). What is the ultimate denial of life, of human beings and their civilisation, the supposed innocence of youth, etc.? Shooting up a school of young children comes pretty close. It is hard to imagine how horrific a spectacle that would have been. And remember, he left no trail behind him, and unlike most mass shooters, it looks like he didn't give a shit about leaving a motive, being infamous, or any of the shit these guys usually love.

This explanation seemed the most plausible to me after I read a long interview with his father and heard a tape of his phone in to a radio-show, where he expressed some slightly disturbing ideas to say the least.

Obviously it is total speculation. But sensitivity can lead to extreme actions, because often the burden is too much. You think all the people who join IS are psychopaths? Not by a long shot: lots of people went over there because they couldn't stomach watching the death of muslims from afar, and will now justify all sorts of barbarities because they have seen the most horrible of things themselves.

Just look at the stuff they post on their twitters: i saw one with the hollowed out skull of a baby, another with a child blown in half, incredibly mangled. Things like that can encourage a sensitive person into barbarity, in fact, the sensitive might be particularly at risk (for they feel too much sympathy). Sensitive and highly sympathetic people are capable of great cruelty too.

[JEFFERSON MONEY]

25

have thick skin when it comes to being insulted though.

pros: -any powerful lyric can produce volatile goosebumps from recall
- any potent movie scene can rapidly boost adrenaline and activate hindbrain
- excellent with animals and children

cons: EVERYTHING ELSE.
- seeing any other human suffer is very distressing, animal too
- unable to focus for large periods of time to produce coherent logical thought
- body is easily addicted to food, the smell of a certain person, emotional feedback, and can be manipulated in a way that a more obstinate people would just ram over.


WOULD REALLY REALLY RATHER be a macho type but gotta work with what u were born with eh.

[JEFFERSON MONEY]

I become unpleasantly aroused when a lot is going on around me.
.
da fukk does that mean ? .....a boner when you shop at the mall ?...:oldlol: ..............and what exactly is unpleasantly aroused

Large crowds, festivals with lots of exhibits, lots of choices for food, babbling areas, multiple conversations.

Produces information overload, then anxiety.

[ROCSteady]

16