People often see a heightened way of feeling and noticing the world
Clara Ramiro Guzmán, from Seville, often found herself labeled as intense, idealistic, almost overwhelmed by the harshness of life. Events struck deep, questions arose early, and the expectation was that she would simply blend in with friends on the street. This is how her story begins, and it reflects a common thread for many who recognize themselves as highly sensitive individuals.
Ramiro, a psychologist focusing on hypersensitivity and the president of the Spanish Association of Highly Sensitive Persons (aPASe), speaks from experience. After living abroad and seeking answers about his own temperament, he realized he belonged to a small yet meaningful group: Highly Sensitive Persons, or PAS. That discovery provided a missing piece, guiding him to study this trait professionally and to dedicate his life to helping sensitive people navigate the world. His message is clear: sensitivity is a trait, not a flaw, and it deserves understanding and support.
PAS individuals notice more detail, respond with greater emotional depth, and can become overstimulated more easily
What exactly does it mean to be PAS?
The Institute of High Sensitivity Professionals estimates that about 20 to 30 percent of people carry this trait, characterized by heightened emotional reactivity and a more responsive central nervous system. In Ramiro’s terms, high sensitivity is a stable personality feature that tends to keep behavior consistent over time, helping to predict how a person might react in various situations. In short, a highly sensitive person is not defined by weakness but by a distinct pattern of processing and perception.
Such individuals often experience a finely tuned sensory system. They pick up subtle cues and details others might miss, absorb information more deeply, and feel emotions with greater intensity. This makes them more empathetic and emotionally responsive, yet it can also lead to quicker overwhelm from sensory input.
Four core traits of PAS
- Intense perception with the ability to notice many environmental nuances.
- Overload from sensory input at times, leading to physical or emotional saturation.
- Deep processing and thoughtful reflection on what is perceived.
- Strong empathy and heightened emotionality.
Interest in this neurodivergent trait grew through decades of psychological research, but the term PAS was popularized in the 1990s by Elaine Aron. Aron summarized the trait as a genetic predisposition that makes highly sensitive people think and feel more deeply, without implying weakness. She also created a self-test for individuals who suspect they belong to this group, making awareness more accessible.
Ramiro notes that many observable properties cluster around PAS, such as easily shed tears, sensitivity to loud noises, and a tendency to be overstimulated in chaotic environments. He emphasizes that PAS is not a punishment or defect but a biological reality with equal prevalence in men and women. Understanding this helps reduce stigma and fosters healthier self-perception.
“Some people feel they struggle with daily tasks and are misunderstood”
The person behind the alias Marta, a 37-year-old, found online that she fits the PAS profile after exploring Elaine Aron’s work. The discovery resonated deeply. Marta describes intense empathy for others, sensitivity to noise, and the exhausting effect of crowded places like concerts or busy streets. She needs long periods of solitude to recover and reset, a common strategy for maintaining balance when surrounded by stimuli.
She candidly shares difficulties with tasks others perform with ease, such as editing, replying to messages, or prioritizing responsibilities. At the same time, she values art and creativity highly, often thinking through multiple scenarios, and noticing how others feel—even if that awareness becomes burdensome. This heightened perception can amplify worry when situations seem tense or unfair.
Marta’s central challenge is the feeling of being misunderstood. She notes that information about PAS is sometimes fragmented and that others may mistake sensitivity for weakness. Yet, the core insight remains: this is a trait to be understood and managed, not suppressed. With reliable strategies, it becomes possible to live well and pursue meaningful goals while honoring one’s sensitivity.
It all hinges on context
Ramiro argues that PAS in itself is not inherently good or bad. The surrounding environment plays a pivotal role in shaping outcomes. A supportive context can help a highly sensitive person grow with confidence, learning to regulate the sources of hyper-stimulation and to understand personal needs. When sensitivity is nurtured, it strengthens self-knowledge and resilience; when it is neglected, it can contribute to anxiety or low self-esteem. Reassurance comes from recognizing that sensitivity is a real, biological trait that many share, and it can be managed with the right approach.
Many PAS individuals seek support at times, not necessarily because they face a crisis, but to better understand themselves and their place in the world. Not everyone with the trait experiences severe distress, but many welcome companionship and guidance on how to harness their sensitivity for personal and professional growth. As Ramiro explains, the goal is not to label people but to illuminate a path toward self-acceptance and constructive use of heightened perception. A constructive approach can illuminate strengths, enabling individuals to contribute with authenticity and skill rather than feel defined by limitations.
Ultimately, PAS holds a promise: when embraced with the right tools, sensitivity becomes a source of insight. It can sharpen creativity, deepen relationships, and guide a person toward a more meaningful life. The journey is about understanding, not fixing, and about turning sensitivity into a form of strength that serves the person and those around them. (Attribution: Elaine Aron; Ramiro, PAS expert)