Dr. Nidaa Al-Barwani
Assistant Professor of Organisational Behaviour, Department of Management, College of Economics and Political Sciences
When we hear the word ‘sensitivity’, we often associate it with emotions and feelings. This is because what is commonly known about high sensitivity typically relates only to emotional reactivity and emotionality. However, being a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) is a personality trait that goes far beyond just being emotionally sensitive. This concept was introduced a few decades ago by the American psychologist Dr Elaine Aron. Although relatively new in psychological literature, HSP is a widely existing yet often overlooked personality trait, found equally among men and women.
What truly distinguishes HSPs is their sensory-processing sensitivity. Their heightened alertness to sensory input makes them hypervigilant and easily overstimulated, particularly when faced with new experiences or stimuli. They process both information and emotions at a deep level. Because of their highly active nervous system, HSPs can become easily distracted, overwhelmed, and lose focus; precisely because of how intensely they absorb and reflect on external and internal stimuli.
It is important to clarify, as Dr Elaine emphasised, that being an HSP is not a personality disorder, nor is it a sign of weakness. It is simply a personality type; something you are born with, just like any other. Research has confirmed that HSP is a valid and reliable measure of the sensory-processing sensitivity construct. This is why I believe it is necessary to shed light on this often unrecognised personality type. My aim is to help individuals who may not yet understand their own sensitivity, and to raise awareness among their families, friends, managers, and colleagues, so that we can all learn how to navigate professional and personal life with, or alongside, an HSP.
While the degree of emotional and environmental sensitivity varies among HSPs, there are certain signs that can help us recognise whether we, or those around us, exhibit traits of this unique personality.
Signs of Emotional Sensitivity in HSPs
If you are emotionally sensitive to some extent, artistically sensitive, deeply moved by music and art, easily pick up on others’ feelings, and can read the room’s atmosphere and sense people’s energy and emotions, you may be a Highly Sensitive Person. Also, if you find it difficult to watch violent or action and thriller films, or tend to hold on to painful memories, these are also common signs.
HSPs process emotions deeply, notice subtle social cues and body language, and are often affected by them due to their heightened arousal. They prefer depth over display, which is why they tend to feel uncomfortable when placed at the centre of attention. Being in the spotlight can overstimulate them, so they tend to shift the attention to someone else. This leads many HSPs to avoid overposting on social media or engaging in platforms where attention may be directed at them, as such overstimulation can lead to burnout or create painful experiences that are difficult to let go of, especially when they are negatively judged by others.
However, it is important to note that the above characteristics of an HSP may be confused with introversion, a well-known personality trait, or with emotionality. Research by Dr Elaine and others shows that high sensitivity is a distinct personality trait, overlapping partially but not identical to introversion or emotionality. For instance, introverts are typically shy, reserved around strangers, and tend to avoid frequent conversation. In contrast, HSPs can be outgoing, engage in conversations, and even appear extroverted. However, HSPs’ energy depletes faster in stimulating environments, especially when the context requires constant interaction with others, which is not necessarily the case with introverts. They may need to step away from a crowd for a few quiet moments, sometimes even hiding in a quiet corner before returning to reduce the impact of overstimulation and distraction.
Signs of Environmental Sensitivity in HSPs
From an environmental perspective, Highly Sensitive People often exhibit high reactivity to sensory stimuli received from environmental factors. They may experience discomfort in response to loud noises, intense lighting, strong winds, or heavy rain, leading to a desire to withdraw. Because their energy depletes quickly when they encounter stimuli whether social, emotional or physical, they require rest.
Additionally, when going out, many HSPs commonly ensure they carry essential items, such as water, snacks, or tissues when leaving home. This behaviour is often rooted in a desire to mitigate potential discomfort or anxiety arising from unexpected environmental variables. This is why they may take longer to prepare for an outing, and plan in advance their daily routines, weekly schedules, and monthly activities. They prefer to know in advance what is on their calendar so they can prepare for it mentally and physically.
What ‘Rest’ Really Means for Highly Sensitive People
Rest is not a one-size-fits-all concept. Rest, as a term, is perceived differently by people. For many people, especially non-HSPs, rest might mean taking a break from work by going on a trip, for example, hanging out with friends, or engaging in outdoor activities such as hiking. But for highly sensitive people, taking rest means something different.
For HSPs, true rest often means stepping completely away from all forms of stimulation, crowds, conversations, bright lights, or noise. It can mean retreating to a quiet room, lying on a bed or sofa, dimming the lights, and staying in silence. It is not about avoiding life and people; it is about recharging in a way that honours their nervous system. Even positive stimulation can be draining for HSPs, so their version of rest needs to include stillness, solitude, and calm, unlike many others. Recovering from a social event, travel, or even a daily commute can take hours or even days. And that’s okay. It’s simply part of their nature.
HSP in the Workplace
As a manager or colleague, it is important to be aware of HSPs around you and understand how best to interact with them. As employees, HSPs are often highly conscientious and dedicated. However, they may feel deeply uncomfortable with unexpected tasks, last-minute business travel, or sudden commitments. They also tend to struggle with being asked to multitask, especially when given limited time or no advance notice. Sudden changes in plans can trigger anxiety and stress, leading to the perception that they are inflexible employees or resistant to change. In reality, HSPs simply need time to mentally and emotionally process changes in order to regulate their highly responsive nervous systems when adjusting plans.
Therefore, as a manager, it is essential to communicate upcoming tasks, projects, or events to your HSP employee well ahead of time. In fact, it is not only time that they need, but both time and space. Pressuring them to complete tasks quickly may only increase their stress and overwhelm their already heightened sensory system. So, make sure you give them both: time and space.
It is also helpful to hold one-to-one sessions with HSP employees. Show empathy, listen to their concerns, and validate their experiences and emotions, even if their stressors do not make sense to you or seem insignificant. Moreover, if their role allows for remote working, respect their request to work from home occasionally, and their need to apply for a day off after a busy work period or deadlines. Also, be understanding and accept their apology for not attending a work event sometimes, or for their desire to leave the event early.
In summary, while high sensitivity can be a gift, such as being able to read the room with high accuracy, it can also be emotionally exhausting. That is why raising awareness about different personality types is essential. Whether you are a parent, sibling, friend, manager, teacher, or colleague, understanding others’ emotional make-up and behavioural tendencies helps foster more supportive, productive relationships and reasonable expectations.