Is environmental sensitivity a unique trait? A multi-sample study on the association between sensitivity, personality, and psychological adjustment

Lionetti, F.; Dumpfrey, R. S. C.; Richetin, J.; Fasolo, M.; Nocentini, A.; Penolazzi, B.; Pluess, M.; Santona, A.; Spinelli, M.; Preti, E.

doi:10.1016/j.paid.2023.112463

We aimed to investigate the extent to which Environmental Sensitivity (ES), as captured by the Highly Sensitive Person, 12-item scale (HSP-12), is distinguishable from traditional personality traits, contributes to psychological adjustment over and above personality, and if this contribution depends on the rearing environment. We also explored the HSP-12 psychometric properties and invariance across countries (UK and Italy) and samples (university and general population). Across multiple adult samples (N = 4459), we provided evidence that ES can be reliably assessed with the HSP-12 across countries and groups. We also showed that ES is distinguishable from established personality traits and is associated with lower well-being and negative affect, beyond personality. An environment perceived as caring played a buffering role.

Is environmental sensitivity a unique trait? A multi-sample study on the association between sensitivity, personality, and psychological adjustment / Lionetti F.; Dumpfrey R.S.C.; Richetin J.; Fasolo M.; Nocentini A.; Penolazzi B.; Pluess M.; Santona A.; Spinelli M.; Preti E.. - In: PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES. - ISSN 0191-8869. - ELETTRONICO. - 217:(2024), pp. 112463-112463. [10.1016/j.paid.2023.112463]