People with sensitive personalities are more likely to feel mental health problems, the analysis indicates

New research, led by Queen Mary University and published in the journal Clinical psychological sciencerevealed that very sensitive people (HSP) are more likely to feel mental health problems compared to less sensitive people. The results suggest that these people could benefit from more interventions such as mindfulness and techniques to strengthen emotional regulation skills.

The meta-analysis of 33 studies, the first of its kind, examined the relationship between sensitivity and current mental health problems such as depression and anxiety. The researchers discovered that there was a significant positive relationship between the two, concluding that very sensitive people are more likely to feel depression and anxiety compared to those who are less sensitive.

In the study, sensitivity has been defined as a personality trait that reflects people’s ability to perceive and treat environmental stimuli such as lively lights, subtle changes in the environment and moods of others. Often neglected in mental health studies and clinical practice, which tend to focus on neuroticism and its association with mental health problems, this research shows that understanding the level of sensitivity of a person is important and can have therapeutic implications.

For example, people with more sensitive personality traits may be more likely to benefit from treatment plans that involve techniques such as applied relaxation and mindfulness, which can also prevent relapse.

Tom Falkenstein, psychotherapist and doctorate. The student at Queen Mary University of London said: “This is the most extensive systematic journal on sensitivity and mental health in adolescents and adults to date, and is the very first meta-analysis on the subject to estimate the impact of this relationship.

“We have found positive and moderate correlations between sensitivity and various mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, agoraphobia and avoidant personality disorder. Our results suggest that sensitivity should be considered more in clinical practice that could be used to improve the diagnosis of conditions.”

“In addition, our results could help improve the treatment of these people. About 31% of the general population is considered to be very sensitive and, as our results show, are more likely to better respond to certain psychological interventions than less sensitive individuals. Consequently, sensitivity should be taken into account when reflecting on the treatment of mental health conditions.

“Our work shows that it is crucial that awareness of sensitivity is improved among mental health professionals, so that clinicians and practitioners can recognize the trait in their patients and adapt the treatment to their sensitivity.”

Michael Pluess, professor of development psychology at the University of Surrey and guest professor at the Queen Mary University of London, said: “This is the first meta-analysis providing robust evidence that very sensitive people are more prone to current mental health problems. However, it is important to remember that very sensitive people are also more reactive to positive experiences, including psychological treatment.

“Our results provide additional evidence that sensitive people are more affected by negative and positive experiences and that the quality of their environment is particularly important for their well-being.”

The systematic journal and the meta-analysis of 33 studies were carried out by a university team from several universities, including Queen Mary University and the University of Surrey.