How Does Your Sensitivity Show Up? Take a Quiz!
Would you like a clearer picture of how your sensitivity shows up?
Whether we’re new to the term highly sensitive person (HSP) or have been aware of it for years, chances are, we’ve noticed its effects. Yet sometimes it’s clarifying and validating to see those effects reflected back.
If that piques your curiosity, there are several HSP quizzes available. They come in different “flavors,” and visiting these websites gives you a chance to know the authors and their contributions to the HSP community.
Dr. Elaine Aron’s “Highly Sensitive Test” and “Is Your Child Sensitive?” Questionnaire
Dr. Elaine Aron, the researcher who coined and defined the term highly sensitive person (HSP), has her own Highly Sensitive Test.
She acknowledges that this one does not reflect all aspects of her DOES acronym, which stands for the defining characteristics of HSPs (depth of processing, overstimulation, emotional responsiveness/empathy, and sensing the subtle). This test normalizes some of the challenges that many HSPs face and highlights some HSP strengths, but keep in mind it’s not the entire picture.
For parents, she also has a “Is Your Child Sensitive Questionnaire”.
Her website has a wealth of information for HSPs, including research by Dr. Aron and her colleagues, as well as her HSP books, DVDs, and films.
Anita Moorjani’s “Are You an Empath?” Quiz
If you identify more as an empath, you may enjoy New York Times Best-Selling Author Anita Moorjani’s quiz. She wrote the book, Sensitive is the New Strong. (Don’t you love this title?!)
You’ll find a number of other books, meditations, products, and a community membership on her website (although I do not have experience with these).
Julie Bjelland’s “Sensitivity Quiz”
Psychotherapist Julie Bjelland’s quiz can be found here. She also offers free masterclasses and resources, as well as paid classes and a paid membership for her HSP Empowerment Community. I don’t have personal experience with her paid classes or community but have found her masterclasses to offer some helpful information.
I hope you find these quizzes helpful. Maybe they could be fodder for some journaling or a meaningful conversation with a friend or partner who’s also highly sensitive.
You may want to note: Dr. Elaine Aron cautions against diving into detailed conversations about our high sensitivity with loved ones too soon. She explains that once we learn about high sensitivity, we may be excited to share all about it, but it can be helpful to think through when and how you’d like to share it, depending on your relationship dynamics.
If these quizzes stir up mixed feelings or thoughts, you’re not alone, and there’s a lot that we can do to lighten the load. You may appreciate the next blog, “Worn out or frustrated with your HSP trait? Give this a try.”
If you live in North Carolina and are wondering if therapy for HSP women could be right for you, I’m here to discuss your hopes and questions. While I absolutely believe that you can figure things out and have the innate ability to heal and grow, you don’t have to do it alone!
This website and blog are intended for your curiosity, exploration and reflection. They are not intended to diagnose or be a substitute for therapy or medical care. If you are experiencing a psychiatric emergency call 988 (in the United States) or go to your nearest emergency room and ask for the psychiatrist on call.