Samuel Bennett, Yee Lam So
This study potentially represents one of the first qualitative investigations exploring Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS), Decision-making and Self-regulation in Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) using the revised HSP Scale (Pluess et al., 2024) and semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and reflexive thematic analysis. 30 valid HSP Scale responses were obtained. SPS scores were broadly continuous (M = 5.24, SD = 0.98), with no distinct boundary between groups. 20 participants were classified as HSP due to the recruitment strategy, alongside six medium-sensitive and four low-sensitive. Two HSP types emerged within the HSP group (M = 5.84, SD = 0.42): Type One comprised the majority, with one to two dominant sensitivity dimensions, whereas Type Two had three to four. Females predominated in both types; Type Two showed higher mean scores. Both participant types scored highest on Depth of Processing and lowest on Sensitivity to Details, whereas Emotional Reactivity showed the greatest differentiation between types. The study raised concerns about the revised HSP scale's comprehensiveness due to its lack of "Negative Experiences" items and limited capacity to identify heterogeneity among HSP. 16 interviews were conducted, generating three themes: (a) Negative Experiences and SPS Changeability, (b) Factors act as both facilitators and barriers, and (c) Binary Tendency in Self-Regulation and Decision Control. Seven factors were identified as influencing decision-making among HSP: "Negative Experiences", "Surrounding People", "Depth of Processing", "Emotional States", "Physical Overstimulation", "Time", and "Information". Self-regulation was primarily employed pre- and post-decision-making, with less engagement during plan execution. Despite reporting feelings of overwhelm, most participants expressed confidence in making high-quality decisions through reflective processing and specific decision-control strategies.