The Highly Sensitive Person: How to Thrive When the World Overwhelms You by Elaine N. AronMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
3.0/5.0 - This was an updated 20th anniversary edition, the author added additional research. Elaine N. Aron is a research and clinical psychologist who has devoted her life to studying the trait that she calls HSP.
I'm not sure exactly how I feel about this book, on the one hand I wonder if it's pop psychology. On the other, many things the author says makes sense, and helps me to better understand a few different people in my life. The characteristics of an HSP (highly sensitive person) include keen imagination, vivid dreams, the need for alone time each day, empathy and conscientiousness, as well as the fact that noise and confusion quickly overwhelms them. (Wow, she could be describing me!)
HSPs are an understudied group, and often just described as introverts and/or shy people. And while this may also be true for individuals, these labels don't fully describe them. They are challenged with being easily overwhelmed, overaroused, and overstimulated. The book helps individuals with HSP understand this trait, how it has affected their lives, and gives tips for how to better cope with it. For example, giving presentations can be a challenge, not because they aren't prepared (they will be meticulously prepared), but because they need to feel in control. So doing a dress rehearsal can help.
The book goes beyond helping individuals and offers chapters for teachers, health care professionals and employers. This is just one of several books the author has written on the subject, she also has books aimed at helping children, parents, people in marriage, and several workbooks.
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