Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain
New research, led by Queen Mary University and published in the journal Clinical Psychological Science, has revealed that highly sensitive people (HSP) are more likely to experience mental health problems compared to individuals who are less sensitive. Findings suggest that these individuals could benefit more from interventions such as mindfulness and techniques to strengthen emotional regulation skills.
The meta-analysis of 33 studies, the first of its kind, looked at the relationship between sensitivity and common mental health problems such as depression and anxiety. Researchers found there was a significant, positive relationship between the two, concluding that highly sensitive people are more likely to experience depression and anxiety compared to those who are less sensitive.
In the study, sensitivity was defined as a personality trait that reflects people’s capacity to perceive and process environmental stimuli such as bright lights, subtle changes in the environment and other peoples’ moods. Often overlooked in mental health studies and clinical practice, which tend to focus on neuroticism and its association with mental health conditions, this research shows that understanding a person’s sensitivity level is important and can have therapeutic implications.
For example, people with more sensitive personality traits may be more likely to benefit from treatment plans which involve techniques such as applied relaxation and mindfulness, which can also prevent relapse.
Tom Falkenstein, a psychotherapist and a Ph.D. student at Queen Mary University of London, said, “This is the most extensive systematic review on sensitivity and mental health in adolescents and adults to date, and is the first ever meta-analysis on the topic to estimate the impact of this relationship.
“We found positive and moderate correlations between sensitivity and various mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, agoraphobia and avoidant personality disorder. Our findings suggest that sensitivity should be considered more in clinical practice which could be used to improve diagnosis of conditions.”
“In addition, our findings could help improve treatment for these individuals. Around 31% of the general population are considered highly sensitive, and, as our findings show, are more likely to respond better to some psychological interventions than less sensitive individuals. Therefore, sensitivity should be considered when thinking about treatment plans for mental health conditions.
“Our work shows it is crucial that the awareness of sensitivity is improved among mental health care professionals, so clinicians and practitioners can recognize the trait in their patients, and tailor treatment to their sensitivity.”
Michael Pluess, professor of developmental psychology at the University of Surrey and visiting professor at Queen Mary University of London, said, “This is the first meta-analysis providing robust evidence that highly sensitive people are more prone to common mental health problems. However, it is important to remember that highly sensitive people are also more responsive to positive experiences, including psychological treatment.
“Our results provide further evidence that sensitive people are more affected by both negative and positive experiences and that the quality of their environment is particularly important for their well-being.”
The systematic review and meta-analysis of 33 studies was carried out by an academic team from several universities, including Queen Mary University and the University of Surrey.
More information:
The Relationship Between Environmental Sensitivity and Common Mental-Health Problems in Adolescents and Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis, Clinical Psychological Science (2025). DOI: 10.1177/21677026251348428
Provided by
Queen Mary, University of London
Citation:
People with sensitive personalities more likely to experience mental health problems, analysis indicates (2025, August 16)
retrieved 16 August 2025
from https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-08-people-sensitive-personalities-mental-health.html
This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no
part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.