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Highly Sensitive Person Test

20 Questions
3 Minutes

Are you highly sensitive?

A highly sensitive person (HSP) is sensitive to—and sometimes overwhelmed by—aspects of their environment like sounds, lights, and smells, as well as their rich interior world. This concept is also called sensory-processing sensitivity. Take this test to see if it applies to you.

Using the key below, answer the questions based on how strongly you agree or disagree with the statement.

Disagree
Strongly Disagree
Neutral
Agree
Strongly Agree
1. I’m easily overwhelmed by strong sensory input.
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
2. Other people’s moods strongly affect me.
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
3. I tend to be sensitive to pain.
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
4. I’m easily overwhelmed by things like bright lights, strong smells, coarse fabrics, or sirens.
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
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5. I notice when small things have changed in my environment.
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
6. I have a rich, complex inner life.
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
7. I enjoy violent films, TV shows, and movies.
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
8. I am deeply moved by the arts and music.
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
9. Loud noises make me feel uncomfortable.
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
10. My nervous system sometimes feels so frazzled that I have to be alone.
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
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11. I’m highly conscientious.
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
12. I get scared easily.
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
13. When people are uncomfortable in a physical environment I tend to know what would make it more comfortable (like changing the lighting or the seating).
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
14. I thrive when I have a lot to do in a short amount of time.
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
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15. I notice and enjoy delicate scents, tastes, sounds, and works of art.
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
16. I make it a high priority to arrange my life to avoid upsetting or overwhelming situations.
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
17. On busy days, I need to leave, lie down, and look for a dark room or another place where I can find relief from stimulation.
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
18. Intense stimuli, like loud noises or chaotic scenes, don’t bother me.
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
19. I get annoyed when people try to get me to do too many things at once.
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
20. When I was a child, my parents or teachers saw me as sensitive or shy.
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree

Who Is This Test For?

This test is for anyone who wants to explore their level of sensory-processing sensitivity. It’s designed for individuals over age six and is not intended to be prescriptive.

We value your privacy - see how we protect the info you provide when you take this test.

How to Get Help

If you struggle with sensitivity, sensory or otherwise, speaking with a mental health professional can help. You can find someone in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory.

Sources

E. Aaron and A. Aaron. The Highly Sensitive Person Scale (HSP Scale).

Pluess, M., et al. Highly Sensitive Child Scale (HSC Scale).

Ponce-Valencia, A., et al. Reduced Versions of the Highly Sensitive Person Scale (R-HSP Scale)