​​The Highly Sensitive Person Inventory (HSPI-24)*

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The HSPI‑24 is a self-assessment designed to explore the trait of sensory processing sensitivity—a temperament characterized by heightened emotional responsiveness, deep thinking, and sensitivity to environmental stimuli. Often referred to as being a “Highly Sensitive Person (HSP),” this trait is not a disorder, but a variation in how deeply your nervous system processes information.

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24 Questions

 

Are you struggling with high sensitivity in your relationship?

Learn more about the ways high sensitivity can impact relationships and how couples can manage these feelings and grow. 

 

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Who It’s For:

Adults (18+) who want to understand how their sensitivity to emotional, sensory, or social stimuli might shape their experiences, relationships, and self-care needs.
 

Duration:

Approximately 5–7 minutes
 

What It Measures:

The HSPI‑24 assesses sensitivity across four dimensions of experience:
 

• Depth of Processing – Reflective, complex thinking and meaning-making

• Overstimulation – Susceptibility to overwhelm in busy or intense environments

• Emotional Reactivity – Intensity of emotional responses and empathy

• Sensitivity to Subtleties – Awareness of subtle cues, shifts, and details
   

These traits are neutral in nature—they may be sources of strength, challenge, or both, depending on context and support.
 

Total Score Interpretation

Total Score Range: 24–120
 

• 24–59: Lower Overall Sensitivity
  You may find it easier to navigate stimulating environments and manage emotional input. While still capable of deep feeling or reflection, you likely process information in a more straightforward or action-oriented way.
   

• 60–79: Moderate Overall Sensitivity
  You likely experience a balance of reflection and responsiveness, with occasional overstimulation or emotional intensity. This level of sensitivity can support both connection and resilience.
   

• 80–120: Higher Overall Sensitivity
  You may process experiences deeply and feel things intensely—both emotionally and physically. This can be a strength in creativity, empathy, and awareness, but may also lead to emotional fatigue or overstimulation without proper boundaries and recovery time.
   

Subscale Score Interpretation

Each of the four subscales is scored from 0 to 30 and offers a deeper look into your sensitivity profile.
 

1. Depth of Processing

• 0–12: Relatively Low Expression – You may prefer clear, action-oriented tasks and are less inclined to ruminate or reflect deeply.

• 13–17: Moderate Expression – You think critically and reflectively when needed, especially in meaningful or complex situations.

• 18–30: Relatively High Expression – You likely analyze deeply, connect ideas, and reflect on meaning—sometimes to the point of overthinking.
   

2. Overstimulation

• 0–12: Relatively Low Expression – You are likely resilient to noise, multitasking, or sensory input and recover quickly from stress.

• 13–17: Moderate Expression – You tolerate stimulation fairly well but may feel overwhelmed when demands are high or rest is limited.

• 18–30: Relatively High Expression – You may become easily overstimulated by lights, sounds, or fast-paced environments, and need recovery time to maintain focus and well-being.
   

3. Emotional Reactivity

• 0–12: Relatively Low Expression – You may experience emotions more mildly and find it easier to remain steady in emotional situations.

• 13–17: Moderate Expression – You feel emotions clearly but are often able to regulate them with balance.

• 18–30: Relatively High Expression – You likely feel emotions intensely and may be deeply affected by others’ feelings or emotionally charged environments.
   

4. Sensitivity to Subtleties

• 0–12: Relatively Low Expression – You may prefer direct communication and miss subtle emotional or environmental cues.

• 13–17: Moderate Expression – You notice nuance in tone, expression, or environment, especially when emotionally engaged.

• 18–30: Relatively High Expression – You likely perceive details or shifts in people and surroundings that others overlook. This can be a strength, though it may also contribute to sensory overload.
   

Support for Sensory and Emotional Sensitivity

Being a Highly Sensitive Person can enrich your relationships, creativity, and self-understanding—but it may also require mindful self-care, boundaries, and environments that honor your processing style.

If your sensitivity feels overwhelming or affects your daily functioning, a therapist who understands sensory processing sensitivity can help you navigate your strengths while offering tools to manage the challenges.
 

👉 Curious to learn more? [Reach out through our contact form]—we’re here to support your growth.