[lenjan]

This is a really interesting topic. I've had a hard time my whole life explaining to people that I get overstimulated really easily and need oodles of alone time. Now I have something to back it up with.

If you score 14 or above, you qualify. I scored 21 -- out of 27!

quiz

[nowheretorun]

24!

22.......

[Fuzzybear]

25

[Perna]

I didn't think this version was discriminating enough. "Do you enjoy fine art and music?" Who, taking a test of this nature, is going to answer "No" to that?

[Rhapsody]

I scored a 6 -
so I guess all those years of Therapy sure paid off - w00t w00t 4 Me.

[lenjan]

Picky, picky.

I, for one, Perna, answered NO to that because art museums bore the crap out of me, and I can only handle brief amounts of classical music. I got an A in art history, but it was a tough slog to make it, and it easily was the worst class I was required to take in college, even beating algebra.

So there.

[I_WMD]

>> Highly sensitive .=.14 .>>I<< got a eeeerrrrrrrrmmmmmmm > 13 <.

[Perna]

I just think the "regular" test they talk about in the small print :-)where they measure the degree 0-7 would be more accurate or telling.

Being highly sensitive is not a bad thing (in my book) but they didn't define what they were meaning by "sensitive" and why and some of the questions made me think of borderline personality disorder and anxiety attacks, etc. and I definately don't want any of that :-) But I am/do want to be aware of my environment and what makes other people comfortable. I just didn't see a logical connection between loud noises (physical sensitivity) and whether or not one had a good experience in college art class and/or was naturally interested in art :-)

Don't get highly sensitive on me, candybear it was a fun/interesting test, thanks for posting it.

[Christina86]

17! Woohoo.

[Rhapsody]

</font><blockquote><div id="quote"><font class="small">Quote:</font>
Perna said:
Being highly sensitive is not a bad thing (in my book) but they didn't define what they were meaning by "sensitive"

</div></font></blockquote><font class="post">

IMO - this test is asking if you are "overly sensitive" (by using the word highly) and not sensitive in the way that you are a caring person that feels for others...... for while I care a lot about people and what they are going I am not so sensitive any more that I get upset at every little thing or comment.

[SeptemberMorn]

Hmmm! I got 11. Figured I was more sensitive than THAT!

[gardenergirl]

</font><blockquote><div id="quote"><font class="small">Quote:</font>
Rhapsody said:
</font><blockquote><div id="quote"><font class="small">Quote:</font>
Perna said:
Being highly sensitive is not a bad thing (in my book) but they didn't define what they were meaning by "sensitive"

</div></font></blockquote><font class="post">

IMO - this test is asking if you are "overly sensitive" (by using the word highly) and not sensitive in the way that you are a caring person that feels for others...... for while I care a lot about people and what they are going I am not so sensitive any more that I get upset at every little thing or comment.

</div></font></blockquote><font class="post">

The thing is, if you use the word "overly", then it suggests that there is some normal or acceptable level of sensitivity. I think saying "highly" sensitive is a better descriptor since it describes a system that responds to stimuli at lower thresholds and with more intensity than those who are not highly sensitive. And it's my understanding from reading Aron's works that sensitivity is a trait or system for processing stimuli, both physical and emotional. So I have a lot of physical sensitivities, especially to smells, but also to spicy foods. And I have a very strong startle reflex which kicks in with loud noises but also just if someone "appears" in front of me and I didn't realize they were there. I've screamed at the postman more than once when I went to check the mail slot and found he was standing on my porch getting ready to fill it. And I'm terrible with pain. Just ask the five year old boy who laughed at my whining and whimpering when his mother put some Skin Shield on a papercut. And I'm emotionally sensitive, too. I don't quite understand how or even if the two are related, physical and emotional sensitivity, but the test seems to pull for both, and I know I clearly have both.

I don't know that any of us can actively change our individual thresholds for sensing physical and emotional stimuli beyond the ranges that are uniquely ours. But I think we can learn to manage our sensory (emotional and physical) arousal and environments as best we can so that we limit the upset and maladaptive reactions that can occur when one is stimulated to what is an uncomfortable for them level. Elaine Aron's books have been really helpful for me in understanding this trait of mine and learning to make the best of it. And you can experience positives from being highly sensitive, too. It's a true gift for me when I'm in my therapist mode, and I wouldn't give it up despite the negatives that come with it. I think of my sensitivity as being a gift and a burden. When I'm functioning well, it's more of the former; when I'm not, it's definitely more of a burden, and can lead me to feel like running screaming from the room while tearing at my hair. Fortunately, I've so far always been able to inhibit that urge.

gg

[silver_queen]

I got 23...

[nowheretorun]

candybear, i just dont want to forget about the good side of being sensitive though... sure, it can be a real drag, but, its also what motivates me to be kind to others.... i hope thats a good thing... ive been accused of being too nice, too polite, too respectful...

[katheryn]

i scored 16

I am not sure what I would have scored this is very much like a test for aspburgers"spelled wrong"
if we are all sensitive thats a good thin, means we all care

this test was cool made me think TY

[BlueFaith]

16...

[Juliaspavlov]

20 .......hmmm

I love sensitivity
I love empathy
I love compassion
I love corny things
I love huggy ppl

[Perna]

Julia, you remind me of this song:

http://deehits.homestead.com/ilove.html

Silly version:

[Doh2007]

I believe this quiz is based upon the book _The Highly Sensitive Person_ by Elaine N. Aron, PhD. In the book, she's trying to help the people who are told, "You're just too sensitive." As though that's a bad thing. As though they're flawed. The book helps these folks see that they have a gift, not a disease.

[teejai]

Not to sure about this test as it seems to base whether you are 'highly sensitive' on ticking enough various 'boxes' of a somewhat arbitrary nature whilst ignoring that one may be 'highly sensitive' in a less diffuse but more acutely defined and honed way.

The very nature of how it is constructed would exclude those who may be extremely sensitive in a narrower area whilst including as 'highly sensitive' those who may take more boxes but may do so in a less pronounced manner.

[lenjan]

You know? I thought it was interesting. I didn't realize I needed to prove scientific validity for something I thought was interesting and thought other people might find interesting.

Geeeeeeeeeeze.

[nowheretorun]

((((candybear)))))

[gardenergirl]

I was happy to see the subject come up, candybear, so thanks for posting it. I could use a reminder about self care. Also, given that according to Dr. Aron, this trait is found in 15-20% of the population, I think it's a good subject to share. The tremendous relief and validation I felt when I picked up her original book about HSP at a friend's house was huge and one of those serendipitous moments. Who knows who else might experience that validation as a result of you posting this.

Warmly,
gg