Highly sensitive people, known as PAS, are characterized by perceiving, feeling, and responding to certain stimuli more ‘strongly’. “HSPs struggle with adaptation, frustration tolerance, and disorientation, but they also have amazing potential for creativity, empathy, and self-reflection,” experts say.
Recently, the concept of “highly sensitive person” is spreading on SNS, but what exactly does this mean?
According to Sharon Letamar Melendez, a psychologist and professor at the University of Aruba, highly sensitive people, or PAS, They are people whose nervous or neurosensory systems are more ‘sensitive’ than the majority.
The expert clarifies that this is not a disorder, pathology, or mental illness, but “rather, it is a personality trait that has to do with temperament and how one perceives the world and emotions.”
What does a Highly Sensitive Person (PAS) look like?
The term PAS was coined by American psychologist Elaine Aaron in 1996. In her book The Highly Sensitive Person, she describes this personality trait as having “four pillars.”
as collected BBCThe first one, Ability to think deeply, ponder and analyze .
Meanwhile, the second high empathy Because they are people who understand other people’s emotions and usually put themselves in others’ place.
On the other hand, the third feature is sensitivity environment from a sensory point of view.
On the other hand, the fourth pillar is tendency to be overwhelmed .
“As a consequence of the previous three, it becomes easier to: overdrive saturation It leads to high levels of stress, ”said Anna Romeu, head of the Department of Emergency Psychology at the Catalan Official Psychological Faculty (Spain).
Therefore, to be considered a PAS, you need to recognize these four pillars, not just a few.
Because being PAS does not mean you have a disability
Retamaru delves into the issue, stating that HSPs are “more sensitive to stimuli with a high emotional load or that cause a great deal of stress, and even the events of everyday life affect them three times more than others.” and experience higher levels of stress.” Empathy for the suffering of others, whether human, animal or nature. “
Psychologists at the University of Aruba point out that because of this different way of perceiving, processing, reacting and feeling, PAS are usually very anxious and vulnerable, but that doesn’t mean they suffer from a disorder or pathology. bottom.
“Categorizing as a highly sensitive person is only a functional trait related to personality, and includes different ways of functioning and being.” he argued.
“For this reason, it is related to personality structure, but also closely related to other neurological concepts such as information processing and perceptual thresholds,” the expert added.
Are you PAS? If you answered “yes” to any of the following, you may be:
1. They process information deeply and are very introspective, which makes them very anxious and anxious.
for the decisions you make.2. Extremely sensitive to external stimuli such as light, sound, and touch, and easily overwhelmed by noise and crowds. In addition, they are highly sensitive to physical and mental pain.
3. You are highly creative, whether in music, writing, art, or any other form of expression.
4. You are very sensitive to changes in the moods and behaviors of others as if they were your own.
5. You need constant solitude time to rediscover yourself and escape from stimulation.
6. Delayed adaptation to change.
Retamaru recommended that those who empathize with these traits should strive to understand and embrace them, because “understanding the indifference of others can reduce levels of stress, guilt, and anxiety.” .
Similarly, Retamal called on people to “cherish their own virtues that these traits represent, as it is essential to foster healthy acceptance.”
Source: Biobiochile
