# Wissenschaft Und Forschung Zur Hochsensibilitaet **Source:** https://loesungs-coaching.de/en-us/wissenschaft-und-forschung-zur-hochsensibilitaet **Language:** English (United States) --- Skip to Content # Science and research on high sensitivity In this post, you will get 5 exciting points on the topic of science and research on high sensitivity. - What is high sensitivity from a scientific perspective? - The four basic characteristics of high sensitivity? - Why is high sensitivity perceived as a heavy burden by some? - Is high sensitivity scientifically proven? - Is the model of high sensitivity meaningful? ## What is high sensitivity from a scientific perspective? HS is a psychological model developed by Elaine Aron in the late 90s. These models serve to bundle behaviors and characteristics in order to make them more understandable and manageable. In her work, Aron describes 4 basic characteristics that, according to her research, form the basis of the high sensitivity she describes. In pathology, the occurrence of certain behaviors and symptoms is also used as a basis for diagnosing clinical pictures to determine whether a potential mental illness is present. Aron emphasizes in her work that the phenomenon of high sensitivity she describes is not an illness, but a character trait, as high sensitivity in itself can be a great enrichment and has an important evolutionary purpose. ## The four basic characteristics of high sensitivity According to Aron, there are four main characteristics that form the basis of high sensitivity. ## 1. The deep processing of information HSP, which stands for Highly Sensitive Persons, process information in a very networked way and simultaneously on many different levels. In their considerations, they include, among other things, past experiences and their effects on the future. They are also particularly good at **not** recognize obvious connections and thus develop new creative solutions. ## 2. Easier overstimulation of the nervous system Highly sensitive people react faster to stimuli than average sensitive people. Additionally, they perceive more stimuli simultaneously because the brain region for stimulus suppression is less active in HSPs. This carries the risk of overload. Fortunately, highly sensitive people are equipped with special abilities to calm themselves down in return. Unfortunately, these abilities are often not as active in people who suffer greatly from their high sensitivity, usually due to unfavorable childhood experiences. How these systems can be helpfully activated is the subject of my seminars. ## 3. A strong emotional world HSPs experience their emotional world in all its facets. From "on top of the world" to "down in the dumps" and that applies in both directions and within seconds. The entire spectrum of emotions is open to them. This is also reflected in particularly strong empathy. ## 4. Highly receptive also to subtle stimuli Highly sensitive people only need gentle impulses to perceive a stimulus. This is because certain synapses require less impulse to be activated in them. This perceptual ability affects all sensory channels and, for many highly sensitive people, extends to subtle perception. These were the four basic characteristics that, for Aron, constitute high sensitivity. In her book, Aron supplements her model with many other characteristics of high sensitivity. At first glance, these four points are very comparable to the consequences of damage to the stress system, which is why critics see high sensitivity, for example, as a consequence of developmental trauma. Upon closer examination, however, there are significant differences here. Highly sensitive people have special abilities that make them more resilient, as a counterbalance to their heightened perception. ![Science and Research on High Sensitivity Highly Sensitive Highly Sensitive | High Sensitivity and Trauma – Coaching, Seminars, Training | Research on High Sensitivity](https://www.loesungs-coaching.de/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Wissenschaft-und-Forschung-zur-Hochsensibilität-Hochsensible-hochsensibel-has-214x300.jpg) ## Why is high sensitivity perceived as a heavy burden by some? If high sensitivity is perceived as a great burden, this is not due to high sensitivity itself, but indicates a lack of self-regulation skills and/or a disorder of the attachment or stress system. A possible cause for this could be, for example, a Developmental Trauma be. ## Looking closely saves a lot of suffering! Here it is important to look closely at which area the difficulties occur in, in order to enable a positive experience with high sensitivity or to rule out high sensitivity, so that people can receive the support that is right for them. For many people, knowing about their high sensitivity is an incredible relief because it allows them to understand and accept themselves better. However, for average sensitive people, a misjudgment can have the opposite effect, as they despair that there is positive improvement for them. They simply need a completely different approach to make their lives easier. ### State of science and research on high sensitivity ![High sensitivity science and research Highly sensitive sensitive characteristics](https://www.loesungs-coaching.de/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Hochsensibilität-Wissenschaft-und-Forschung-Hochsensible-hochsensibel-Merkmale-200x300.jpg) The model of high sensitivity was developed "only" at the end of the 90s. This is a very short period for research. Research on high sensitivity is, so to speak, still in its infancy. It is also made more difficult because the effects of high sensitivity cover such diverse areas, all of which must be scientifically proven or disproven in order to confirm or refute the phenomenon of high sensitivity in its entirety. Therefore, research usually only refers to partial aspects of high sensitivity. However, there are already quite a few of these. A final overall assessment is therefore still pending and probably will be for many, many more years. This issue is also found with other psychological concepts that are very effectively used in psychology and education, even if they are not fully scientifically proven. ## Is the model of high sensitivity meaningful? Yes, absolutely. I experience it every day in my work what a great gift it is for people when they realize that their experience has a name. That being different has a deeper meaning and so many things get a new, meaningful context. Another point is that they realize they are not alone. After all, according to Aron, 15-20 percent of people are highly sensitive, and they can hardly believe it when other participants describe their experiences and it sounds like someone is talking about themselves. In my observations, the basic personality structure is astonishingly similar among all highly sensitive people. For many, the feeling of being different suddenly becomes a "we," and when viewed in context, individual traits suddenly appear in a different, positive light. I always conduct a feedback round after my seminars. I have often experienced participants being so moved that they couldn't say anything at all. They are then completely overwhelmed by their new self-understanding. To this day, everyone who has been affected has written me an email afterward to explain themselves. This is also a typical characteristic of highly sensitive people. It is important to them that their behavior is not misinterpreted, possibly perceived as a devaluation, and that they might unintentionally hurt someone because of it. Participants I meet afterward approach me and are so grateful. They report that my three-hour lecture has completely turned their entire lives and experiences in a positive direction. This is not my achievement, but thanks to the pioneering work of Elaine Aron. Her model enriches and supports so many people in understanding and accepting themselves better. It brings so much good into the world, so personally, it doesn't really matter to me whether high sensitivity is ultimately confirmed by research as existing. Would you like to dive deeper? In my Online course: Recognize and understand high sensitivity you will get to know your high sensitivity step by step. ![E-Book Understanding High Sensitivity by Sandra Quedenbaum, preview on laptop, tablet and smartphone](https://www.loesungs-coaching.de/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Ohne-Titel-Karte-Querformat-900.webp "Hochsensibilität verstehen") To Registration Sign up for my newsletter. As a thank you, you will receive my e-book **or buy it for €9.99.** ## E-Book! **Understanding high sensitivity –** **For a self-determined life** How high sensitivity manifests and how it "originates". ## Here you will find further articles on high sensitivity - Basic Facts - The Highly Sensitive Brain - Highly sensitive individuals in overstimulation - High sensitivity and emotions - What Was Nature Thinking With This? - High sensitivity and adrenaline - Highly sensitive people and chronic stress - What your body does differently - Characteristics of high sensitivity - Current State of Science and Research - 10 strengths of high sensitivity - High sensitivity and evolution - Extroverted (Ambiverted) Highly Sensitive People - HSP Test – High Sensitivity Simply Explained - Should HSPs Come Out? - Highly sensitive children and comparisons - Test – How to recognize a highly sensitive child - Introverted HSPs - Extroverted HSPs - Trauma and High Sensitivity - How HSPs See - HSP and the Sense of Smell - The Highly Sensitive Hearing - How HSPs Think - Scanner Personalities - High Sensation Seeker - High Sensation Seeker or Extroverted HSP - Easier Overstimulation of the Nervous System - Highly Sensitive People and Emotions - Highly Sensitive People and Small Talk - Highly sensitive people and inner dialogues - How HSCs become mentally ill adults - Highly sensitive children and eating - How your highly sensitive child becomes self-confident Manage Consent To provide you with an optimal experience, we use technologies such as cookies to store and/or access device information. 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As a thank you, you will receive my e-book – or buy it for €9.99. ## E-Books! **Understanding high sensitivity –** **For a self-determined life** The guide for anyone who wants to get into the topic quickly! Click HERE to download!