A question I am asked constantly is: what is the difference between being a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) and an introvert? To be perfectly honest, I had been assuming that they were pretty much the same thing until I studied it further. While there are many similarities, there are also some key differences which I will point out in this article.
If you prefer to watch or listen:
What is the difference between a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) & an Introvert?
Differences Between High Sensitivity and Introversion
One source points out that the differences between high sensitivity and introversion are large enough that the two traits can be considered distinct. This is borne out by the fact that not everyone who is highly sensitive is introverted as well. In fact, according to Elaine Aron, Ph.D, 70% of HSPs are also introverts, whereas 30% of HSPs are extroverts.
I like how this introvert coach explains the difference on her website:
In short, an introvert is someone who recharges when he or she is alone. An introvert likes to be with other people, but prefers smaller groups when doing so. He or she needs more time to recharge, think and analyze things than an extrovert does. High sensitivity is mainly a neurological phenomenon. As an HSP, you process stimuli very deeply, making all kinds of connections.
For introverts, the starting point is inside: that is where you get your energy from and that is also where you return when you run out of energy. You must process stimuli from outside before you will respond to them. As an introvert, you are also more sensitive to it than an extrovert: you are easily over-stimulated, because your brain needs less dopamine (the happiness hormone) than an extrovert. As a result, you have less need to be in constant contact and you prefer to avoid conflicts.
High sensitives are also very sensitive to stimuli and process things deeply. But as an HSP you can also be an extrovert. In that case you have a great need for constant contact with others, but you also want to protect yourself against overstimulation: two opposing forces. It is generally stated that about 70 percent of all highly sensitive people are introverts, but that as much as 30 percent are extroverts. So introversion and high sensitivity are not necessarily always linked.
The sensitivity to stimuli is slightly different for introverts than for HSPs. Introversion is mainly about avoiding stimuli related to contact with others (too large groups of people, conflicts), while for a highly sensitive person the sensory stimuli are the most important ones. Think of loud sounds or bright lights.
The difference between introverts and HSPs is explained like this by introvert expert
Highly sensitive people are born with a certain cluster of traits that is often described as a sixth sense: they are extremely perceptive, intuitive, and observant, with finer discrimination than most of us. They may stay away from social engagements because they dread the agonizing flooding of their senses. Introverts or extraverts can be highly sensitive.
How do I Know if I am a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP)?
The following comes from the article I wrote on the topic. In that article, you will find a video I did which goes into more detail about the HSP temperament which I urge you to check out.
Elaine N. Aron, PhD, who has studied the highly sensitive personality for over 40 years wrote the book, The Highly Sensitive Person: How to Thrive When the World Overwhelms You. Her research has found that 15-20% of the population is “highly sensitive”. In short, it means that 15-20% of us have highly attuned nervous systems. It has been described as having a ‘sixth sense’. I describe this state as “wearing your skin inside out”- we are like cats with big whiskers that reach far out and our ‘antennae’ are always “on”. Aron calls this a “difference in arousability” in that HSPs notice levels of stimulation that go unobserved by others. This can be a plus as HSPs tend to be visionaries, highly intuitive artists, or inventors, as well as more conscientious, cautious, and wise people.
On the down side, being highly sensitive means being stimulated more intensely by everything around one which can often feel overwhelming. Ms. Aron puts it this way: “What is moderately arousing for most people is highly arousing for HSPs. What is highly arousing for most people causes an HSP to become very frazzled indeed…until they reach a shutdown point” (p. 7).
Below is Elaine Aron’s self-test from her book (pp. xxi and xxii) for determining whether you are an HSP. If you answer true to 12 or more of the questions, you’re probably highly sensitive. If this is the case, I highly recommend you read Ms. Aron’s book(s) to learn how to thrive in the world being an HSP.
True or False?
- I seem to be aware of subtleties in my environment.
- Other people’s moods affect me.
- I tend to be very sensitive to pain.
- 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.
- I am particularly sensitive to the effects of caffeine.
- I am easily overwhelmed by things like bright lights, strong smells, coarse fabrics, or sirens close by.
- I have rich, complex inner life.
- I am made uncomfortable by loud noises.
- I am deeply moved by the arts or music.
- I am conscientious.
- I startle easily.
- I get rattled when I have a lot to do in a short amount of time.
- 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).
- I am annoyed when people try to get me to do too many things at once.
- I try hard to avoid making mistakes or forgetting things.
- I make it a point to avoid violent movies and TV shows.
- I become unpleasantly aroused when a lot is going on around me.
- Being very hungry creates a strong reaction in me, disrupting my concentration or mood.
- Changes in my life shake me up.
- I notice and enjoy delicate or fine scents, tastes, sounds, works of art.
- I make it a high priority to arrange my life to avoid upsetting or overwhelming situations.
- When I must compete or be observed while performing a task, I become so nervous or shaky that I do much worse that I would otherwise.
- When I was a child, my parents or teachers seemed to see me as sensitive or shy.
How do I Know if I am an Introvert?
According to Introvertdear.com, about 30-50 percent of the population are thought to be introverts. That means that up to half of the human population are introverts! Not such a minority after all. In other words, if you feel “weird” or “different” from others, just take a look around- you’re in good company! The founder of Introvertdear.com wrote a fabulous book I highly recommend:
Review of Introvert Book #2: The Secret Life of Introverts by Jenn Granneman
The Bottom Line: High Sensitivity vs. Introversion
To wrap up, the main difference that I can see between introverts and HSPs is this:
not all introverts are highly sensitive
Some highly sensitive people are extroverts, therefore we cannot lump introversion and the highly sensitive personality together in all cases.
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