Skip to content

Sensitivityresearch.com is a website run by researchers dedicated to sharing reliable information on the human trait of sensitivity.

Sensitivity is defined as the ability to perceive and process information about the environment. Although all people are sensitive, some are considerably more than others.

According to research studies, people differ in their sensitivity.
Sensitive people respond more strongly to stress but also benefit more from positive experiences.

This website aims to educate the public, provide free resources to both researchers and practitioners, as well as facilitate international collaboration between researchers.

Research shows that some people are more strongly influenced by their surroundings and experiences. Such differences in sensitivity have a genetic basis.

How sensitive are you?

Sensitivity can be easily measured with a short questionnaire.

According to research, people tend to fall in one of three sensitivity groups: low, medium and high.

Take the test to find out which group you belong to.

Undraw A Day At The Park Owg1

Sensitivity has a genetic basis. Research shows that genes explain up to about 50% of the differences in sensitivity between people.

Sensitivity Blog

Copy Of Light Neutral Reminder Instagram Post (2000 × 600 Px) (12)

Sensitive Adolescents with an Immigrant Background Benefit More from an Intervention Promoting Cultural Identity Development

In a randomized controlled trial conducted in Italy, we found that an 8-week school-based intervention targeting cultural identity development (i.e., Identity Project) was efficacious in promoting adolescents’ identity exploration. Highly sensitive adolescents with an immigrant background benefited the most from the intervention, providing support for the vantage sensitivity hypothesis.

Read More...
Copy Of Light Neutral Reminder Instagram Post (2000 × 600 Px) (10)

Connecting the Dots between Sensitivity and Physical Health: the role of Psychological Stress

In our study on sensory processing sensitivity (SPS), health, and perceived stress, we observed that perceived stress acts as a mediator between SPS and poor physical health, particularly in a predominantly Hispanic population.

This suggests that prioritizing stress reduction may enhance the impact of SPS on physical health.

Read More...
Copy Of Light Neutral Reminder Instagram Post (2000 × 600 Px) (8)

Are Gifted Individuals Truly Highly Sensitive? Unraveling the Connection

In our study, we investigated whether gifted individuals exhibit higher scores on Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS). Findings indicate that gifted individuals have lower scores on negative aspects of sensitivity, such as Emotional and Physiological Reactivity, while scoring higher on positive aspects, such as Aesthetic Sensitivity. These differences are partially explained by lower Neuroticism and higher Openness among gifted respondents.

Read More...

Being sensitive has advantages. Sensitive people tend to benefit more from positive and supportive experiences

Join our Mailing list