HSP Screening Tool

1. Answer the questions.
2. The following will be automatically calculated: "HSP Total Score," "HSP Screening Tool Result," "Recommended Actions for HSP," "Deep Processing Score," "Deep Processing Diagnosis Result," "Overstimulation Score," "Overstimulation Diagnosis Result," "Emotional Reactivity and Empathy Score," "Emotional Reactivity and Empathy Diagnosis Result," "Sensitivity to Subtle Stimuli Score," and "Sensitivity to Subtle Stimuli Diagnosis Result."

HSP (Highly Sensitive Person) literally translates to "highly sensitive person" and refers to individuals with heightened sensitivity who react strongly to external stimuli. This concept was introduced by American psychologist Dr. Elaine N. Aron.

Main Characteristics

• Deep Processing: Tendency to think deeply and pay attention to details.
• Overstimulation: Sensitivity to strong stimuli such as noise and crowds.
• Emotional Reactivity and Empathy: Strong empathy towards others' emotions.
• Sensitivity to Subtle Stimuli: Sensitivity to small changes in light, sound, and smell.

Benefits and Challenges of HSP

Due to their heightened sensitivity, HSPs often excel in creativity, insight, and empathy. However, they may also experience stress and fatigue from overstimulation.

HSP is not a disease or disorder but a temperament. Understanding one's own traits and creating a suitable environment can help HSPs leverage their sensitivity as a strength.

The traits of HSP (Highly Sensitive Person) are explained by the following four elements, collectively known as the "DOES Model."

1. D (Depth of Processing)

• Tendency to deeply process and analyze information and experiences.
• Strong insight and ability to delve into the essence of things.

2. O (Overstimulation)

• Sensitivity to external stimuli such as noise, crowds, and bright lights.
• Easily fatigued in busy or stressful environments.

3. E (Emotional Reactivity and Empathy)

• Strong emotional reactions to one's own and others' feelings.
• High empathy and sensitivity to others' emotions.

4. S (Sensitivity to Subtle Stimuli)

• Sensitivity to subtle changes in the environment such as sound, smell, and air flow.
• Strong appreciation for art, nature, and fine details.

Four Types of HSP

HSPs can be categorized into four types based on how their sensitivity manifests:

1. Introverted HSP

• Approximately 70% of HSPs fall into this category.
• Introspective and prefer alone time.

2. Extroverted HSP

• Approximately 30% of HSPs fall into this category.
• Sociable but easily fatigued due to sensitivity to stimuli.

3. HSS-type HSP (High Sensation Seeking HSP)

• Seeks stimulation but easily fatigued due to sensitivity.
• Enjoys adventure and new experiences but also needs rest.

4. Empathic HSP

• Strongly feels others' emotions and energy.
• Easily empathizes and often plays a supportive role.

This diagnostic tool evaluates HSP (Highly Sensitive Person) tendencies based on the following five categories:

• External Sensory Sensitivity
• Emotional Empathy
• Deep Cognitive Processing
• High Sensation Seeking
• Introversion/Extraversion Tendency

Scoring Method

Each category's questions are rated on a 5-point scale:

• Not at all (1)
• Rarely (2)
• Neutral (3)
• Somewhat (4)
• Very much (5)

Scores for each question are summed, and category scores are calculated.

Diagnostic Criteria

Diagnosis is made based on the following conditions:

• Introverted HSP: High introversion/extraversion tendency and external sensory sensitivity.
• Extroverted HSP: High introversion/extraversion tendency and emotional empathy.
• HSS-type HSP: High sensation seeking and external sensory sensitivity.
• Empathic HSP: High emotional empathy and deep cognitive processing.
• Mixed Type: Does not fully fit into any of the above but exhibits multiple traits.
• Low HSP Tendency: Total score is below the threshold.

Recommended Actions

Based on the diagnosis, recommended lifestyle habits and mental health care actions are displayed.

Reference Data and Criteria

The tool's logic is based on the following international guidelines and research data:

• ICD-11 (International Classification of Diseases): WHO guidelines on sensitivity and psychological traits.
• DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders): Definitions and diagnostic guidelines for emotional and behavioral traits.
• HSP Theory (Dr. Elaine Aron): Fundamental theory and evaluation methods for HSP.
• Recent Psychological Research Papers: Studies on the relationship between sensitivity traits and mental health.

Disclaimer

This tool is not a substitute for formal diagnosis and is for reference purposes only. Final diagnosis should be made by a medical professional.