sensory processing sensitivity
Sensory processing sensitivity (SPS) is a personality trait characterized by a heightened sensitivity to sensory input and emotional stimuli. Individuals with SPS may notice subtleties in their environment, such as sounds, lights, and textures, more acutely than others. This trait can lead to both positive experiences, like deep appreciation for art and nature, and challenges, such as feeling overwhelmed in busy or loud settings.
People with SPS often require more time to process information and may become easily fatigued by excessive sensory input. This sensitivity is not a disorder but rather a normal variation in human personality, affecting approximately 15-20% of the population, including those identified as Highly Sensitive Persons (HSP).