Based on the research of Dr. Elaine N. Aron

HSP Test (High Sensitivity)

Learn more about your sensitive perception and how to use it as a strength

Duration: approx. 7 minutes24 questionsFree self-assessment
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What This Test Measures

High Sensitivity (scientifically known as Sensory Processing Sensitivity, SPS) is an innate personality trait found in approximately 20-30% of the population. It describes deeper processing of stimuli in the central nervous system. This test is based on the groundbreaking research of Dr. Elaine N. Aron since 1991.

Depth of Processing

Tendency to think deeply and thoroughly process information and experiences

Overstimulation

Sensitivity to intense sensory stimuli and tendency to feel overwhelmed in stimulating environments

Emotional Intensity

Strong emotional reactions to both positive and negative experiences

Sensory Sensitivity

Fine perception of subtle details like sounds, smells, light, and textures

Who Should Take This Test?

  • People who often feel overwhelmed or exhausted by stimulation
  • Those who experience intense empathy and strongly perceive others' moods
  • People who prefer deep conversations over superficial small talk
  • Anyone who wants to understand their high sensitivity and use it as a strength
  • Parents who suspect high sensitivity in their children

What You Will Learn

  • Whether and how strongly you exhibit the trait of high sensitivity
  • Your individual sensitivity profile across different dimensions
  • Strategies for dealing with overstimulation and sensory overload
  • How to use your sensitivity as a unique strength in daily life

Frequently Asked Questions

No, high sensitivity is not an illness but a normal, innate personality trait. It describes deeper processing of stimuli in the nervous system and occurs in approximately 20-30% of people - as well as in over 100 animal species.

SPS is the scientific term for high sensitivity. It was coined by Dr. Elaine Aron and Arthur Aron in the 1990s and describes heightened sensitivity of the central nervous system to physical, emotional, and social stimuli.

High sensitivity is not a disorder and doesn't need to be 'cured.' The goal is to understand your own nervous system, develop appropriate strategies for managing overstimulation, and leverage the unique benefits of sensitivity.

No, approximately 30% of highly sensitive people are extroverted. High sensitivity concerns the depth of stimulus processing, not whether someone gains energy from social contact (extraversion) or from being alone (introversion).

Highly sensitive people notice nuances that others miss, are often particularly creative, empathetic, and conscientious. They can build deeper connections with people and have a heightened aesthetic appreciation.

Dr. Elaine N. Aron is an American psychologist and researcher who has been scientifically studying the concept of high sensitivity since 1991. Her book 'The Highly Sensitive Person' (1996) brought the topic to a wide audience.

Your personal data is not permanently stored. To generate your PDF report, results are only temporarily processed on the server and automatically deleted afterwards.

Pluess, M., Aron, E., Kähkönen, J. E., Lionetti, F., Huang, Y., Tillmann, T., Greven, C., & Aron, A. (2024). Evolution of the Concept of Sensitivity and its Measurement: The Highly Sensitive Person Scale-Revised. PsyArXiv. https://osf.io/preprints/psyarxiv/w7bqu

HSP Test (High Sensitivity)

Learn more about your sensitive perception and how to use it as a strength

Start Test Now