The Four Elements That Make Up HSP Sensory Processing Sensitivity, What is DOES? [HSP, Empath, High Sensitivity]
Starting from the basics of HSP and empaths, this time I will talk about the concept of DOES. Please note that some of this content may overlap with past posts.
In the world of psychology, HSP is defined as a person with high sensory processing sensitivity or a person with high environmental sensitivity.
Dr. Aron and her colleagues presented the four elements that make up HSP sensory processing sensitivity as a trait called DOES. It represents the temperament and personality that indicate high sensitivity. These four characteristics of DOES distinguish HSPs from non-HSPs.
D (Depth of Processing) = Depth of processing
O (Overstimulation) = Sensitive to stimulation
E (Emotional Reactivity and Emphasis) = Strength of emotions and empathy
S (Sensing the Subtle) = Noticing even the smallest things
According to Dr. Aron, the following explanations are provided.
D (Depth of Processing) = Performs deep processing of sensory stimuli
They tend to process information more deeply. They process everything at a deep level by relating or comparing it to similar past experiences. They have excellent intuition. They can see things "as they are." They integrate what is happening inside the body and emotions with what is happening externally. The insular cortex of the brain (also called the seat of consciousness) is well-developed.
O (Overstimulation) = Sensitive to stimulation, easily receives sensory stimuli, easily overwhelmed
They notice even the smallest things quickly and are sensitive to external stimuli. They get tired when exposed to stimuli such as noise or clutter for long periods. They are easily affected by chaos in the home. When calm, they are very good at noticing subtle changes in others' facial expressions. They are also quick to notice social changes. It is recommended that they take more rest than others.
E (Emotional Reactivity and Emphasis) = Emotional and empathetic reactions are more likely to increase when stimulated
They react more than others to both good and bad experiences, but they react particularly strongly to positive emotions. They also have high empathy and understand others' emotions as if they were their own. The reason HSPs' reactions are greater than others' is due to positive emotions such as curiosity, expectation of success, desire in a good sense, satisfaction, joy, and a sense of achievement. They are good at savoring good results and finding ways to achieve them.
S (Sensing the Subtle) = Easily notices or reacts to subtle stimuli
They notice subtle things that others overlook. They process information from their senses carefully and deeply. They can also read subtle differences in words. From savoring the simple joys in life to deciphering non-verbal signs that others emit unconsciously, such as their mood or reliability, and seeking a response, the temperament of noticing subtle things holds infinite possibilities.
Furthermore, DOES is not a set of independent factors; for example, it is not the case that D is strong but S is weak, but rather that all elements increase when stimulated was reported in a 2019 study by Professor Corina Greven and colleagues at the Radboud University Medical Center, Department of Medical Sciences.
Next time, I will talk about the importance of the environment.
Thank you for reading this far.
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