A Quiet Revolution: Dr. Elaine Aron's work on Highly Sensitive People
In 1996, psychologist Dr. Elaine Aron introduced a concept that reshaped how we view sensitivity: The Highly Sensitive Person (HSP). Her research offered language, validation, and science-backed support to describe what many people had always felt but never fully understood, that they process the world more deeply than others.
Nearly 30 years later, her work continues to guide a growing community of sensitive people seeking to live empowered, authentic lives.
Sensitivity is a trait
High sensitivity is often misunderstood as weakness, drama, or emotional fragility. But Dr. Aron’s research shows it’s none of these. It’s a biologically based trait found in over 100 species, not just humans, and serves a very practical evolutionary purpose: careful observation before action.
Instead of acting impulsively, HSPs tend to take in more detail, reflect more deeply, and respond with greater awareness. Brain imaging studies back this up: individuals who score high on the HSP scale engage more areas of the brain when processing subtle or complex information.
The core aspects of High Sensitivity
Dr. Aron identifies four key features of the HSP trait, often remembered using the acronym D.O.E.S. They are:
Depth of Processing: HSPs reflect deeply and think things through, often replaying conversations or analysing decisions thoroughly.
Overstimulation: Environments with loud noise, chaos, or bright lights can overwhelm the nervous system of an HSP more easily than others.
Emotional Responsiveness and Empathy: HSPs tend to feel emotions deeply, both their own and others’, and are often highly compassionate.
Sensitivity to Subtleties: They notice small details that others might miss like a tone shift in someone’s voice, a flicker of emotion, or even the texture of fabric.
These characteristics help explain why HSPs may feel exhausted after social events, need more downtime, or prefer one-on-one connection over group dynamics.
Sensitivity is not the same as shyness
One of the most important clarifications from Dr. Aron’s work is that high sensitivity is not the same as shyness or introversion. While many HSPs are introverted, around 30% are extroverts. Shyness, she explains, is a learned behaviour, often stemming from social anxiety or fear, whereas sensitivity is innate.
That means not all HSPs are quiet, reserved, or withdrawn. Many enjoy socialising, just in smaller doses or more intentional environments. This helps HSPs better understand themselves and reject labels that don’t fit.
Sensitivity isn’t gendered
Whilst I haven’t seen much research beyond binary sexes, a critical point from Dr. Aron’s research is how societal gendered norms distort how we view sensitivity. While cis-men and cis-women are equally likely to be highly sensitive, cultural expectations often discourage cis-men from expressing it. As a result, many sensitive cis-men hide this trait, leading to stress, shame, or disconnection.
The visibility of HSPs across the gender spectrum, including trans and non-binary people, is essential. Despite needing more research with LGBTQ+ communities, it’s important to recognise that sensitivity exists in all genders; and no-one should be shamed by it.
Where HSPs find belonging and support
The HSP trait has gained increasing recognition, and so has the need for support. That’s why the official HSP website, founded by Dr. Aron, serves as a vital resource for education, research, and community. It features articles, tools, and directories to help people better understand their sensitivity and connect with others who share it.
One significant development in recent years is the rise of specialised HSP coaching, offering support tailored to the unique needs of highly sensitive people. Coaches help clients navigate challenges like overstimulation, burnout, people-pleasing, and emotional overwhelm, with strategies that actually work for sensitive nervous systems.
Why inclusive HSP Coaching matters
Not all HSPs face the same challenges. Highly sensitive people who are also part of the LGBTQ+ community often experience an added layer of complexity, facing not only internal intensity but also external pressure from a world that misunderstands both sensitivity and queerness.
That’s why LGBTQ+ inclusive coaching services are so vital. These coaches understand the layered experience of being both queer and highly sensitive, and offer spaces that are validating, empowering, and trauma-informed.
As a proud member of the HSP coach directory on hsperson.com, I believe deeply in the power of this support. It’s an honour to be recognised on Dr. Aron’s official platform and to serve HSPs who are just beginning to explore their sensitivity.
Is Sensitivity caused by trauma?
This is a common myth, and the research says no. While HSPs may be more affected by trauma if it happens, the trait itself is not a result of trauma. It’s innate, meaning you were likely born with it.
That said, the experience of being misunderstood, rejected, or pressured to “toughen up” can create lasting stress for HSPs, especially in unsupportive environments. That’s why validation, community, and accessible tools are so crucial.
Why Sensitivity is a strength in an overstimulated world
We live in a time of constant alerts, social media noise, and burnout. In this environment, the ability to pause, reflect, and feel deeply isn’t a weakness; it’s a superpower.
Highly sensitive people bring empathy, intuition, and creativity into a world that desperately needs them. Rather than rushing through life, HSPs often slow down, think more critically, and connect on a deeper level, all of which are invaluable in relationships, leadership, and community-building.
Some takeaways
High sensitivity is a normal, innate trait found in about 20% of the population.
HSPs process information more deeply, feel emotions more intensely, and are more aware of subtleties.
It’s not the same as shyness, and many HSPs are extroverts.
Sensitivity exists in all genders, though it’s often more accepted in women.
LGBTQ+ HSPs need support that recognises both their sensitivity and their identity.
Specialised coaching and communities are helping HSPs thrive, not just survive.
Are You a Highly Sensitive Person?
If you think you might be an HSP, the best place to start is with the HSP self-test on Dr. Aron’s site. It’s free, research-based, and provides valuable insight into how you experience the world.
To dive deeper into life as a highly sensitive queer person, or to find coaching support that truly sees and honours your whole self, join our village community, a space created by and for people like you.
