English article

What are the four major characteristics “DOES” that are also the characteristics of HSP?

Speaking of HSP (Highly Sensitive Person), I think the first thing that comes to mind is that it is “delicate”. However, there are several other representatives of HSP’s temperament, and there is a definition of the four major characteristics “DOES” summarized by Dr. Elaine Aaron, the proponent of HSP. On this page, I will explain the details of “DOES”.

You can know mean of “DOES” in this page.

What is DOES defined by HSP?

red poppy flower field at daytime

According to the definition by Dr. Elaine Aaron who advocated HSP, the characteristics of HSP are classified into four.Each English acronym is called DOES.

D (Depth of processing)

O (being easily overstimulated)

E (being both Emotionally reactive generally and having high Empathy in particular)

S (being aware of Subtle Stimuli)

If you don’t fit all the four, you may be a little different from HSP.

D: Deep of processing

green plant

Since HSP tries to think deeply about everything and process it, you are good at instantly interpreting the small changes of the other person and the real part from the nuances and facial expressions of words with sharp insight and intuition.

This isn’t a deliberate attempt to work hard, it’s something you’re doing almost unconsciously, and this ability can save you or cause you to suffer at the same time.

Since the true intention of the other person is understood within yourself, it seems that you sometimes think about things that you do not need to understand and conclude without permission and feel depressed.

Once you come up with it, it will be an advantage for HSP to be able to think until you reach the essence of things.

O (being easily overstimulated)

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People, sounds, lights, odors, and other things that are common for HSPs can be irritating and stressful.

Especially, they tend to dislike crowds, and many HSPs are not good at parties and drinking parties where many people gather.

Also, after interacting with such a large number of people, you may feel anxious about something that is not deep for some reasons, such as “I couldn’t speak well” or “I might have been hated by everyone”.

Avoiding such stimuli, it is also characteristic that there are many people who basically love acting alone, saying “I like being alone”, and it is a stimulus that is comfortable for  them (new discoveries, art, etc.) without adjusting to someone’s pace. Some people are enjoying art).

E (being both Emotionally reactive generally and having high Empathy in particular)

worms eye view of forest during day time

HSP has a strong ability to sympathize with other people’s stories and worries, so you may be evaluated as a reliable person by many people.

You may feel that the attitude of listening to the other person and thinking about the other person and talking is sincere.

However, sometimes you are completely immersed in the feelings of the other person, and the boundary between yourself and the other person becomes ambiguous.

It’s important to note that if someone is crying with sad feelings in front of you, you may feel as if you had the same experience, or you may continue to be depressed with the other person.

S (being aware of Subtle Stimuli)

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As mentioned above, HSP is sensitive and delicate to people, sounds, lights, odors and so on.

For example, you may be surprised or uncomfortable when someone talking loudly is nearby, a car roars nearby, or a slightly strong-smelling meal comes out.

Also, if you see someone who has a different attitude or looks sick, you may ask “What happened?”. On the contrary, even though you were praised as “Mr. OO, you’re great!”, you felt like you were skeptical that “I wonder if I really think that.”

It is said that you have an excellent ability of crisis avoidance because you notice even small things, and one of the features of HSP is that you can think that “this is safer” even in situations where there is a risk.

What are the four major characteristics “DOES”, also the characteristics of HSP? Summary

How was DOES, the characteristics of HSP?

Many of you may have read this article and thought: “That’s me.”

When counseling to improve the painful part of HSP’s temperament, it is the first step to improve the temperament by first thinking about what kind of delicate aspects you have and knowing that it is HSP.

Get to know your characteristics and be able to live a comfortable life.

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