Genetics and High Sensitivity

The Beginning of a Deep Understanding

In 2012, Elaine Aron opened a window into the world of highly sensitive people ( HSP ), a topic she has explored with passion and dedication. Through her website, The Highly Sensitive Person, she offers a wealth of information and resources, including a test she developed with the help of her husband, a neurologist, to identify the distinctive qualities of those who live this reality. And genetics ? They play a role. Studies on rhesus monkeys have revealed that certain genetic traits can predispose to high sensitivity. This genetic trait not only increases susceptibility to stress and depression under pressure, but also confers a remarkable ability to assess risks and opportunities, a clear evolutionary advantage. Finally, because they had been raised by experienced mothers, monkeys that had been raised by mothers who were attentive to the emotional development of the children with the trait showed precocious development, resilience to stress, and the ability to become leaders as adults.

Dr. Aron, inspired by this work, identified that even highly sensitive people are characterized by the presence of a predisposing genetic condition : she found that 15-20% of the population has a greater receptivity to stimulation (later described as the PAS trait, together with other distinctive characteristics).

The natural question that arose was: what could be the natural reason why such a large percentage of the population possesses a seemingly disadvantageous trait, for example, that brings with it a greater propensity to depression than the average? Normally, Darwinian natural selection eliminates over time characteristics that are unfavorable to the evolution of the species.

In general, the minority who possess the trait of hypersensitivity develop a survival strategy that involves taking their time to examine, observe, reflect and analyze in greater depth what is happening around them , both in their internal and external environment, before making a decision. Thanks to this capacity for observation and reflection, when faced with situations that recall past experiences, HSPs are able to identify and react to dangers or opportunities more promptly and effectively than those who do not possess this trait.

An important study was done on Rhesus monkeys: it was seen that in social groups of these monkeys, having individuals who were a little tense, or "up tight", was not just a question of character. These members were in fact better at judging whether an environment or food was safe or not. Even if this behavior had a cost for them, it ended up being a great advantage for the whole group, helping them to survive and adapt better.

An Analysis of PAS Characteristics

Elaine Aron has highlighted how a difficult childhood can increase the risk of anxiety and depression in PAS individuals. Understanding and support during these formative years are crucial to mitigating these long-term effects.

People with high sensitivity have a depth of processing that makes them perceive the world more intensely. This sensitivity to detail, while enriching life experience, can also lead to rapid overstimulation, which is both a blessing and a challenge. Elaine Aron summarized these characteristics with the acronym DOES :

- Depth (processing depth)

- Overstimulation (over-stimulation)

- Emotional reactivity and empathy (emotional reactivity and empathy)

- Sensitivity to subtleties (sensitivity to details)

There are some genetic factors that play a key role in the development of the brain characteristics of a highly sensitive person:

• Different response to dopamine: This neurotransmitter, which helps regulate pleasure and happiness, encounters greater resistance in highly sensitive people. This may be a protective mechanism to avoid burnout in situations of excessive environmental stimulation.
• More active mirror neurons: Mirror neurons are those that allow us to empathize with others. In sensitive people, these neurons are particularly lively, which explains why they experience empathy so intensely.
• More vivid emotions: Emotions in highly sensitive people are processed more intensely in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex, making the emotional experience richer and less dependent on external context or environmental stimuli.
• Enhanced People-Reading Ability: The areas of the brain that deal with social understanding are particularly active, making these people very skilled at interpreting the mental states and emotions of others.

These traits are part of the unique framework that characterizes highly sensitive people, enriching their interaction with the world around them.

An important implication of being a HSP is therefore sensory overload: Research* indicates that HSPs have a lower threshold for sensory stimuli and may feel overloaded by overly stimulating or chaotic environments. This is due to increased activation in brain areas involved in sensory perception and emotional processing , as demonstrated by neuroimaging* studies that show increased activity in areas such as the insula, which is involved in sensory and emotional integration.

Tips for Living with High Sensitivity

High sensitivity, while often seen as a liability, also offers unique benefits such as a greater capacity for reflection and analysis. The downsides, such as difficulty managing stressful situations, require careful awareness and management.

HSPs benefit from a lifestyle that recognizes their need for time to process stimuli and recover from busy days. Understanding and accepting one's nature can transform daily management into a more peaceful and rewarding experience.asx

Through Elaine Aron’s tireless work, the trait of high sensitivity gains a new light, showing how a deep understanding of this trait can improve not only the lives of HSP people but also those around them. This approach not only helps navigate everyday challenges but also celebrates the unique qualities that make HSP people so special.

*Sources

1. Elaine N. Aron and Arthur Aron introduced the concept of Sensory Processing Sensitivity in their work and proposed the model in several studies. A seminal article is:

• Aron, E. N., & Aron, A. (1997). Sensory-processing sensitivity and its relation to introversion and emotionality. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 73(2), 345-368. This study explores sensory-processing sensitivity as a trait that shows correlations with introversion and emotionality.

1. Neuroimaging studies that have explored the neural basis of processing sensitivity include:

• Acevedo, B. P., Aron, E. N., Aron, A., & Sangster, M.-D. (2014). The highly sensitive brain: an fMRI study of sensory processing sensitivity and response to others' emotions. Brain and Behavior, 4(4), 580–594. This study uses fMRI to examine how the brains of highly sensitive people respond to emotional images, revealing increased reactivity in brain areas related to emotion processing.

These studies help shape the profile of PAS, with a particular focus on how they process sensory and emotional stimuli. Research continues to evolve, with other researchers exploring and expanding on Aron's initial findings regarding high sensitivity.