HSPS-10—Short Version of the Highly Sensitive Person Scale for Students Aged 12–25 Years

Abstract

The aim of the article is to present a short version of the Highly Sensitive Person Scale (HSPS-10) as a useful tool for the assessment of adolescents and young adults and to improve their self-awareness. (1) Background: The original American HSPS was developed as a tool for the assessment of Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS), which is understood to be an inherited temperamental trait. The basis for the research is the concept of SPS, which may be included within the broader construct of the Environmental Sensitivity (ES) model. (2) Methods: The research used a Polish-language, short version developed on the basis of the Highly Sensitive Person Scale, where the respondents answered 10 questions in a 7-point Likert scale. (3) Results: The test results show that the Polish, HSPS-10 is a reliable and valid measurement of the SPS construct and that the results obtained using the abbreviated version indicate a three-factor structure. The structure and psychometric properties of the tool are consistent across different age groups. (4) Conclusions: HSPS-10 is a simple and quick tool for group screenings as well as the individual assessment of school students and adults aged 12–25. The developed standardized procedure allows for the early recognition and identification of changes in the SPS over the course of life.

The unexplored territory of aesthetic needs and the development of the Aesthetic Needs Scale

“…However, we do know that aesthetic sensitivity, a deep engagement when experiencing art, is considered characteristic of individuals with sensory processing sensitivity and a highly sensitive personality [ 51 , 52 ]. The Polish version of the shortened scale for assessing highly sensitive personality also includes an item related to experiencing art or music [ 53 ]. If highly sensitive individuals (who are easily overstimulated) are more attuned to the aesthetic qualities of art or their surroundings (which would foster higher aesthetic needs), then, by analogy, people who quickly get bored and require strong external stimulation may have a lower demand for aesthetics (as they may not pay attention to subtleties, and engagement in aesthetic experiences may not be sufficiently stimulating for them).…”