“Why do other people’s feelings strongly influence my emotions? Is it because I’m an introvert? Am I being too sensitive? Am I…? Why am I…?”
Discovering who you really are is both a confusing and interesting journey. But it’s all good because there are rewards at the end of the road. Figuring out if you’re more of an introvert, a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP), or maybe a mix of both can really help in understanding yourself better and improving your relationships with others.
Today, we’ll take a closer look at what makes these two traits different and how they connect to each other.
Who is the Highly Sensitive Person?
Highly Sensitive Persons (HSPs) were first identified by psychologists Elaine and Arthur Aron in the 1990s. Elaine Aron’s seminal book, “The Highly Sensitive Person” (1996), popularised the term.
A HSP is an individual with heightened sensory-processing sensitivity (SPS). Sensitivity in this context, means how strongly a person reacts to the things that happen to/around them. To an extent, everyone is sensitive. We can be physically or emotionally sensitive. Highly sensitive people, however, feel things a little more deeply than others. One key thing to note is that being highly sensitive is NOT a mental health problem.
According to Aron (2010), this trait is not about the sense organs. It is about how the brain of HSPs processes information. In the book, The Highly Sensitive Person, the characteristics of a highly sensitive person were grouped into four. They are: Depth of processing, Overarousability, Emotional Intensity and Sensory sensitivity. These characteristics can be recalled using the acronym, DOES.
Even though most highly sensitive persons are introverts, you can see that the two traits ARE NOT the same.
Similarities Between a Highly Sensitive Person and an Introvert
Though distinct, there are obvious similarities between these two groups of people.
#1: They Both Think Deeply
The ‘depth of processing’ characteristic of HSPs rhymes with the high introspective nature of introverts. The brain of a highly sensitive person, because of how it is wired, processes the information it receives on a deeper level. There’s an increased activity in brain areas such as the anterior cingulate cortex and insula, which are responsible for emotional regulation and sensory processing. For introverts, this is largely because they are naturally introspective and spend more time alone. So compared to less sensitive or extroverted people, introverts and HSPs are deeper thinkers.
#2: They are Both Empathetic
Highly Sensitive Persons and introverts are more often than not, empathetic people. This may stem from their ability to think deeply. Introverts–natural listeners–can easily understand how others feel. And HSPs, because of their heightened emotional sensitivity, can easily know and even absorb the emotions of others.
#3: They Both Feel Out-of-Place
We have more extroverts in the world than introverts. And HSPs make up less than 30% of the world’s population. As an introvert or a highly sensitive person, there’s a chance that most people you meet will not understand you. The world is loud and fast-paced. Many people may not see why you need time alone as an introvert.
They might not see why you react the way you do as a highly sensitive person. You might often hear comments like, “You are too sensitive,” or “You’re overreacting.” As an introvert, you might get a lot of “Why are you always quiet?” or “You’re always by yourself.” These words, when constantly repeated, can make the receivers feel out of place.
#4: They Both Need Lots of ‘Downtime’
Highly Sensitive People are literally emotion magnets. They are very receptive to the energies and emotions of people around them. Because of their high sensitivity level, they absorb people’s energy, both good and bad. At the end of the day, their mind feels clogged and they might feel an inexplicable sadness. To cope, a highly sensitive person has to take occasional breaks from the world. This helps their minds ‘drain out’ unnecessary emotions.
For introverts, socialising is the bonebreaker. When they spend too much time with other people–especially loud ones–they feel exhausted. Introverts regain their energy by isolating for a while.
Differences Between a HSP and an Introvert
As seen above, there are overlaps between these two traits. Now, let’s see their differences.
#1: Socialising Preferences
One big difference between an introvert and a HSP is how they feel about social events. Introverts dislike social gatherings, but a highly sensitive person may not feel the same way. The reason is that high sensitivity isn’t exclusive to introverts. Extroverts can also be highly sensitive and they are huge fans of social gatherings.
#2: Stimuli Sensitivity
HSPs are highly sensitive to many external stimuli like bright lights, strong smells, and other people’s emotions. Their nervous system is always hyper, intensely processing whatever stimuli is received. On the other hand, introverts are triggered mainly by social stimuli, and aren’t necessarily sensitive to environmental stimuli. The specific things that trigger their discomfort are absolutely different.
#3: Emotional Responsiveness
Another way these two groups of individuals differ is the way they show emotion. An introvert may take longer to show their emotions. In contrast, a highly sensitive person often shares their feelings more readily. Also, HSPs react more intensely to discomfort compared to introverts.
A HSP may openly discuss their feelings, but introverts require trust to do that.
#4: Coping Mechanism
An introvert’s reflex coping mechanism is to isolate and spend some time alone. A HSPs coping mechanism would depend on their personality. An exhausted extrovert who’s also highly sensitive would rather go to a party to ‘recharge’ than stay at home. This contrast shows the two personality types may unwind differently.
Conclusion
Here is the conclusion of the whole matter: An introvert can be highly sensitive, a HSP can be an introvert but the two traits aren’t the same. One can be both, but these traits work separately. Know yourself, be happy.
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