The Highly Sensitive Person: How to Thrive When the World Overwhelms You

by Elaine N. Aron

You may be interested to know that a study has finally demonstrated that we are more creative, by at least some measures, than those without our trait. There is also evidence that creativity (like depth of processing) is driven by emotions, strong and subtle, and negative emotions as well as positive. In addition, there is a strong relationship between being an HSP and feelings of awe, a very intense emotion that can add to the pleasure and meaning in life, but can also be overwhelming. This brings us to emotional regulation—having the right emotion at the right time and in the right amount. (This does not mean learning to be bland. Intense awe, joy, or creative energy at the right time and place can be the right amount.) Many studies show HSPs having trouble with emotions—anxiety, in particular—especially, as I said, if they had difficult childhoods. However, the negative emotions are greatly decreased by personality qualities or skills labeled together as part of the trait of mindfulness: nonreactivity, nonjudging, acceptance, ability to describe feelings, and acting with awareness. Anxiety is lower in HSPs with this trait, particularly when we have the quality of acceptance.