Highly Sensitive Person, or HSP, is a term coined by psychologist Elaine Aron. According to Aron’s theory, HSPs are a subset of the population who are high in a personality trait known as sensory-processing sensitivity , or SPS. People with high levels of SPS have increased emotional sensitivity, st
The Spectrum of Highly Sensitive Person
Highly Sensitive Person exists on a spectrum from mild to severe and presents in different ways depending on individual circumstances, biology, and triggers.
Major Types of Highly Sensitive Person
Mental health professionals distinguish between several key presentations of highly sensitive person, each with distinct features, triggers, and optimal treatment approaches.
Acute vs. Chronic: Some people experience intense but brief episodes of highly sensitive person; others have more persistent, lower-intensity patterns.
Primary vs. Secondary: Highly Sensitive Person can be a primary condition or secondary to another mental health or medical issue.
Situational vs. Generalized: Highly Sensitive Person may be triggered by specific circumstances or more pervasive across life domains.
Why the Type Matters for Treatment
Different presentations of highly sensitive person often respond to different treatment approaches. Accurate assessment of which type you're experiencing guides better treatment decisions.