The Highly Sensitive Person and the Temperament Trait Sensory Processing Sensitivity Therapy

Individuals with this temperament trait represent about 20% of the population but comprise about 50% of those seeking professional counseling services (Aron, 2010). While most research to date studied individuals falling into one of two categories: high sensitivity or not high sensitivity, Lionetti and colleagues (2018) found evidence for high, medium, and low sensitivity among 1,136 psychology undergraduates in the United States and England. In general, researchers agree that those with this temperament trait, highly sensitive persons (HSPs), make up a minority group; however, without knowledge of this temperament, professional counselors are at risk for misdiagnosing or mistreating what is a healthy, inborn, and common trait.