TEST
Are you Highly Sensitive?
The concept of the Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) was developed by psychologist Elaine Aron in the 1990s. Research shows that HSPs have more active neurons, particularly mirror neurons—the cells in the brain that help us empathize by "mirroring" other people’s actions and emotions. This heightened activity makes HSPs more empathetic and compassionate, as they can deeply sense and understand what others are feeling.
Elaine Aron created the HSP Test to help identify whether you have this heightened sensitivity. Below are 27 questions to help you assess if you’re an HSP.
Do you find it difficult to cope with changes or unexpected events?
Do you prefer to avoid situations that are too intense or chaotic?
Do you feel mentally and physically exhausted after social events, even if you enjoyed them?
Do you tend to reflect deeply before making decisions?
Are you particularly sensitive to hunger and get irritable when you haven’t eaten?
Do you perform best when working alone, without distractions?
Do you feel overwhelmed or upset by strong smells, bright lights, or crowded spaces?
Are you deeply moved by music, art, or nature?
Do you feel stressed or overwhelmed when too much is happening at once?
Are you very empathetic and tend to feel other people’s emotions as your own?
Do you prefer quiet environments and often seek solitude to recharge?
Do you notice small details that others might overlook?
When you were a child, did your parents or teachers describe you as sensitive or shy?
Do you find it difficult to cope with changes or unexpected events?
Are you easily overwhelmed by strong sensory input (e.g., bright lights, strong smells, loud noises)?
Do you seem to be aware of subtleties in your environment that others miss?
Do other people’s moods affect you deeply?
Are you very sensitive to pain?
Do you need to withdraw during busy days, into a private or quiet space, to get relief from stimulation?
Are you particularly sensitive to the effects of caffeine?
Are you easily startled?
Do you feel rattled when you have a lot to do in a short amount of time?
Do you avoid violent movies or TV shows because they are too disturbing for you?
Do you become very nervous or anxious when people watch you perform a task or speak publicly?
Do you feel emotions deeply, both your own and others'?
Are you uncomfortable with loud noises, bright lights, or chaotic environments?
Do you notice or enjoy fine scents, tastes, sounds, or works of art?
Are you conscientious and try to avoid making mistakes or forgetting things?
What do your results mean?
If you answered "Yes" to many of these questions, you might be a Highly Sensitive Person. The increased activity of mirror neurons in HSPs enhances empathy and emotional awareness, which can make you more sensitive to your environment and the feelings of others. Understanding this trait can help you navigate your emotional experiences with greater insight and self-care.
Grief Support created by HSPs, for HSPs
If you found out through this test that you're a Highly Sensitive Person, you're not alone, we are HSP too.
That’s why we created our Personalized Pet Grieving Program. As HSPs, we understand how intense and overwhelming pet loss can feel. This 8-week program was designed to support people like us, with gentle guidance that respects your sensitivity and emotional needs.
Through weekly activities and simple tools tailored to your type of loss, you’ll get practical, compassionate support to help you process your grief and begin to feel a little more grounded, one step at a time.
© 2025 Pet Grieving. All rights reserved.
The Pet Grieving Project offers personalized guidance and resources to cope with pet loss for those who need support but do not require professional therapy.
We are open every day of the year to support you whenever you need it.
Built from the heart,
helping pet parents heal after their loss.