Do you think you process sensory information and emotions more intensely than others?
A new study co-led by Dr Marie-Lise Schlaeppy, an Adjunct Research Fellow from The University of Western Australia's School of Psychiatry, and Dr Becky Black, from the University of Melbourne, is looking for people who think they might be highly sensitive to take part in a survey.
"Highly sensitive people can have a heightened response to physical, emotional, social and sensory stimuli," Dr Schlaeppy said.
"About 20 per cent of the population worldwide are highly sensitive people and exhibit traits such as heightened emotional reactivity and empathy.
"They can have a greater depth of information processing, increased awareness of subtle changes in their environment and be more susceptible to overstimulation."
Through a study aimed at gaining insights into aspects of personality and self-awareness, researchers are hoping to find out if there are benefits to knowing you are highly sensitive.
"Current anecdotal evidence suggests that there are benefits to knowing if you are a highly sensitive person," Dr Schlaeppy said.
"People with this trait are overrepresented at the psychologist's office but, once they understand their trait and respect it, have been found to stop seeking support faster than people who are not highly sensitive.
"It follows that there may be a benefit from knowing you are a highly sensitive person earlier in life."
You must be 18 years or over to take participate in the online survey, which takes 15 to 20 minutes.
The survey is anonymous unless participants chose to leave their email to be contacted later to learn the results or agree to take part in further research on the topic.
To take part in the Sensitivity and Self Knowledge survey click here. For more information email Dr Schlaeppy or Dr Black.
