In psychology, SPS stands for Sensory Processing Sensitivity, a heritable personality trait characterizing individuals who process environmental, physical, and emotional stimuli more deeply and intensely. Known as Highly Sensitive Persons (HSPs), they often possess high empathy, are easily overstimulated, and have strong emotional reactions.

psykologi February 23, 2026

#psychology_analysis

Key aspects of Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS) include:

Depth of Processing: Individuals with high SPS pause to check situations and deeply analyze information.

Overstimulation: They are more susceptible to becoming overwhelmed by loud noises, bright lights, or chaotic environments.

Emotional Intensity: They experience both positive and negative emotions more intensely and have high levels of empathy.

Environmental Sensitivity: The trait involves a greater sensitivity to subtle, hidden, or non-verbal stimuli.

SPS is considered a normal, non-pathological, temperament trait that affects about 20%–30% of the population. While it can lead to increased vulnerability to stress and anxiety, individuals with high SPS also often show increased appreciation for, and reactivity to, positive experiences.

SPS stands for Sensory Processing Sensitivity, a personality and temperament trait characterized by a deeper cognitive processing of physical, social, and emotional stimuli. Individuals with high SPS, often called "Highly Sensitive Persons" (HSPs), possess a central nervous system that is more sensitive to environmental nuances, including light, sound, and others' moods.

Key aspects of SPS include:

Deep Processing: Individuals with high SPS analyze information more thoroughly and deeply.

Emotional Reactivity: Stronger reactivity to both positive and negative stimuli, including higher empathy.

Environmental Sensitivity: Easy overstimulation by loud noises, bright lights, or chaotic environments.

Pause-to-Check: A tendency to "pause to check" before acting in new or social situations.

Prevalence: About 15%–20% of the population possesses this hereditary trait.

SPS is not a disorder, but rather a normal, albeit more sensitive, variation of human temperament. It was developed into a theoretical framework by Elaine and Arthur Aron in the 1990s, using the Highly Sensitive Person Scale (HSPS) to measure it.

In psychology, SPS most commonly stands for Sensory Processing Sensitivity.

What is Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS)?

Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS) is a personality trait describing people who are more sensitive to physical, emotional, and social stimuli. It was identified and researched by psychologist Elaine Aron in the 1990s.

People high in SPS are often called Highly Sensitive Persons (HSPs).

Key Characteristics of SPS

Dr. Aron describes SPS using the acronym DOES:

D – Depth of processing: Think deeply about information and experiences

O – Overstimulation: Get overwhelmed more easily by loud, busy, or chaotic environments

E – Emotional responsiveness & empathy: Feel emotions strongly and are highly empathetic

S – Sensitivity to subtle stimuli: Notice small details others may miss

Is SPS a Disorder?

No. SPS is not a mental disorder. It’s considered a normal temperament trait found in about 15–20% of people. However, people high in SPS may be more vulnerable to stress if they grow up in negative environments — and they may thrive especially well in supportive ones.

Important Clarification

SPS is not the same as:

Autism

Anxiety disorders

Sensory processing disorder (a clinical condition)

Though some traits may overlap, SPS is a personality trait, not a diagnosis.

If you'd like, I can also explain:

How SPS differs from introversion

Signs you might be high in SPS

The science behind it

How SPS affects relationships or work

samuel kub