Sensory processing sensitivity ( SPS ) is a temperamental or
personality trait involving "an increased sensitivity of the central nervous
system and a deeper cognitive processing of physical, social and emotional
stimuli". The trait is characterized by "a tendency to 'pause to check' in
novel situations, greater sensitivity to subtle stimuli, and the engagement of
deeper cognitive processing strategies for employing coping actions, all of
which is driven by heightened emotional reactivity, both positive and
negative".
A human with a particularly high measure of SPS is considered to have
"hypersensitivity", or be a highly sensitive person ( HSP ).