Sensory-processing sensitivity and its relation to introversion and emotionality

This is the first academic paper on the concept of Sensory Processing Sensitivity. It is based on seven separate empirical studies on sensitivity.

The main aim of the paper was to examine the relation between sensitivity and introversion as well as emotionality.

However, the main contribution of the reported work is the development of a valid measure to assess people’s individual level of sensitivity.

The results indicate that sensitivity can be reliably measured using the Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) scale which includes 27 questions.

Importantly, authors demonstrate that although sensitivity is significantly related to introversion and emotionality, it is a distinct and unique personality trait.