Highly Sensitive Person Test: Are You an HSP?

Do you often feel deeply affected by your surroundings, emotions, or other people’s moods? If so, you might be a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP). This trait, identified by psychologist Dr. Elaine Aron, affects about 15-20% of the population and is characterised by heightened sensory awareness, deep emotional processing, and a more reactive nervous system.

The Science Behind High Sensitivity

Research shows that HSPs have a more active central nervous system and increased activity in brain regions associated with empathy, awareness, and emotional processing. Studies using functional MRI (fMRI) scans have found that HSPs show stronger activation in the insula and mirror neuron systems, which help process emotions and interpret social cues.

Additionally, HSPs tend to have higher levels of dopamine sensitivity, making them more responsive to both positive and negative stimuli. Their heightened awareness allows them to detect subtle environmental changes, but it also means they may experience sensory overload more quickly.

However, sensitivity levels vary, and factors like upbringing, environment, and past experiences influence how these traits manifest. Some HSPs develop emotional resilience, while others may struggle with overstimulation and anxiety.

Take the Highly Sensitive Person Test

If you’re wondering whether you might be an HSP, this Highly Sensitive Person Test can help you gain clarity. It integrates key questions from Dr. Elaine Aron’s original research with real-world insights from working with HSPs.

Answer the following questions honestly with True (T) or False (F).

1. I seem to be aware of subtleties in my environment. T F

2. I have a rich, complex inner life. T F

3. Other people’s moods affect me. T F

4. When people are uncomfortable in a physical environment I tend to know what needs to be done to make it more comfortable (like changing the lighting or the seating). T F

5. I excel in problem-solving T F

6. I thrive in leadership positions T F

7. I am often the giver in relationships TF

8. I am often thinking about my own thinking TF

9. I am deeply moved by the arts or music. T F

10. Setting boundaries for me is very uncomfortable TF

11. Being very hungry creates a strong reaction in me, disrupting my concentration or mood. T F

12. I am conscientious. T F

13. I am not a fan of small talk T F

14. I am an entrepreneur or I inspire to be TF

15. I felt different and / or feel different then people around me TF

16. I notice and enjoy delicate or fine scents, tastes, sounds, works of art. T F

17. When I feel overwhelmed, I often notice myself isolating myself TF

18. When I was a child, my parents or teachers seemed to see me as sensitive, shy or withdrawn. T F

19. I am drawn to spiritual practices T F

20. I often experience / experienced anxiety TF

21. I tend to be very sensitive to pain. T F

22. I find myself needing to withdraw during busy days, into bed or into a darkened room or any place where I can have some privacy and relief from stimulation. T F

23. I am particularly sensitive to the effects of caffeine. T F

24. I am easily overwhelmed by things like bright lights, strong smells, coarse fabrics, or sirens close by. T F

25. I am made uncomfortable by loud noises. T F

26. I startle easily. T F

27. I get rattled when I have a lot to do in a short amount of time. T F

28. I am annoyed when people try to get me to do too many things at once. T F

29. I try hard to avoid making mistakes or forgetting things. T F

30. I make it a point to avoid violent movies and TV shows. T F

31. I become unpleasantly aroused when a lot is going on around me. T F

32. Changes in my life shake me up. T F

33. I make it a high priority to arrange my life to avoid upsetting or overwhelming situations. T F

34. When I must compete or be observed while performing a task, I become so nervous or shaky that I do much worse than I would otherwise. T F

If you answered “True” to more than 12 questions, you are likely an HSP.

What’s Next?

If you resonate with these traits, it’s important to understand that your sensitivity is rooted in neuroscience—it’s not just a personality trait but a biological difference in how your brain processes information.

Embracing your HSP strengths—such as deep empathy, intuition, and creativity—can help you navigate life more effectively and avoid overstimulation.

Want to thrive as an HSP? My transformational coaching program is designed to help you turn your sensitivity into your greatest asset.