How the HSP Brain Works
Being a highly sensitive person is typically called a personality trait. But, there’s more to it than meets the eye. The HSP brain processes information differently, and there have been plenty of studies to prove it. Research on Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS) shows that HSPs share a lot of common traits, from their response to bright lights and loud noises to their reaction to physical touch. And, there is even evidence that other animals share these traits, too. Canine Sensory Processing Sensitivity (cSPS) has recently been identified in dogs.
The more you can understand your brain, the more grace you can give yourself. Here are some things to know about how a hyper sensitive person’s brain works.
1. Your brain plans for action when it recognizes emotion
A 2014 study in the Brain and Behavior Journal described the HSP brain as “alert and ready to respond.” This study put HPS participants under an MRI and showed them a series of photos of both strangers and their romantic partners in a variety of emotional states. Researchers concluded that across all photos shown, “HSP scores were associated with increased brain activation of regions involved in attention and action planning.”
When it came to happy and sad photo conditions, the study says “SPS was associated with activation of brain regions involved in awareness, integration of sensory information, empathy, and action planning.” In other words, the highly sensitive brain is quick to recognize emotion in others and develop a plan for how to respond.
2. Your brain responds strongly to threats
The highly sensitive brain lights up more than average when it views a perceived threat. A 2024 study showed both HSPs and non-HSPs three movies with unique themes: blame, neutral, or threatening. Participants watched these short films under an MRI so their brain activity could be judged during each movie.
In their conclusions, researchers noted that “We observed that threatening or stressful environmental stimuli had a greater impact on individuals who scored higher in SPS compared to those who scored lower.” They found that the part of the HSP brain most affected during a threat is the central executive network, which manages your thoughts and actions.
3. Your brain remains active during rest
Did you know that an emotionally sensitive brain remains more active even when at rest? Well, it does. A 2023 study from Frontiers in Neuroscience used an EEG to measure brain activity in participants during rest with both eyes open and eyes closed. Half the participants were HPS and half were non-HSPs.
The researchers found that “During resting with eyes open HSPs exhibit higher EEG activity, suggesting increased information processing.” Specifically, they noted that “The higher EEG activity in the HSP group was most pronounced in the central, parietal, and temporal regions.” Interestingly, when they closed their eyes, the HSP group no longer had more brain activity than their counterparts.
Therapy with a therapist who understands high sensitivity
In my work, I often hear highly sensitive clients express frustration or shame about past therapy experiences. They describe feeling dismissed by other therapists who don’t grasp their high sensitivity. Do you want therapy from someone who understands highly sensitive people? Schedule an appointment today with one of our therapists at Therapy for Highly Sensitive People. We’re here to see you, hear you, and truly understand you while we help you make the changes you want to make in life.
