Sensory processing sensitivity

[2] The trait is characterized by "a tendency to 'pause to check' in novel situations, greater sensitivity to subtle stimuli, and the engagement of deeper cognitive processing strategies for employing coping actions, all of which is driven by heightened emotional reactivity, both positive and negative".

[21] As a result, said Klages, there is a higher permeability for incoming signals from afferent nerve fibers so that they pass "unfiltered" to the cerebral cortex.

[4] Boterberg et al. (2016) describe high SPS as a "temperamental or personality trait which is present in some individuals and reflects an increased sensitivity of the central nervous system and a deeper cognitive processing of physical, social and emotional stimuli.

"[2] People with high SPS report having a heightened response to stimuli such as pain, caffeine, hunger, and loud noises.

Contrary to common misconception, according to Aron HSPs include both introverts and extroverts,[34] and may be simultaneously high-sensation seeking and cautious.

[5] This observation parallels Aron's assertion that high SPS is not a disorder, but rather a personality trait with attendant advantages and disadvantages.

[35] By 2015 the trait had been documented at various levels of study, including temperament and behavior psychology, brain function and neuronal sensitization, and genetics.

[38] A 2015 longitudinal study based on army medical records of Swedish men showed a correlation between low resting heart rate and violence and criminality, with the authors theorising that lower sensitivity to stimulation resulted in increased likelihood of risk-taking and sensation-seeking behaviour – effectively a low sensitivity counterpart to SPS.

Characteristics of SPS as graphically summarized by Greven et al. (review article, 2019) [ 1 ] A person with a high measure of SPS is said to be a highly sensitive person ( HSP ). [ 2 ] [ 3 ]
SPS involves responsiveness to both environmental adversity and positive environmental aspects, respectively modeled by the diathesis–stress model and the vantage sensitivity framework. [ 22 ]