The Interplay Between Sensitivity and Insensitivity
The concept of high sensitivity was introduced by psychologist Elaine Aron, who identified a trait known as Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS) or High Sensitivity. HSP is an individual who exhibits heightened awareness, deeper emotional responses, and increased sensitivity to stimuli in their environment.
Whether one is an HSP or not, is there anyone who has realized that their sensitivity is covered by insensitivity? The interplay between sensitivity and insensitivity, particularly in the context of Highly Sensitive Person (HSP), is a complex and individualized experience. In my case, certain areas have become insensitive, and I worry that it may cause inconvenience to those around me.
Today, let’s delve deeper into the psychological aspects of the interplay between sensitivity and insensitivity, specifically focusing on how it can be understood as a form of self-regulation or emotional regulation.
You can learn more about the basics of HSP in this post “So… What is HSP ?”.
The Complex of Sensitivity and Insensitivity
It’s not uncommon for individuals, including HSP, to develop a defense mechanism of insensitivity to protect themselves from overwhelming stimuli or to cope with the challenges of their heightened sensitivity.
Self-Regulation and Emotional Regulation
Self-regulation refers to the ability to manage and control one’s own thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Emotional regulation is a subset of self-regulation, specifically focusing on managing emotions.
For example, Lisa, who is an HSP, heard the news of a shooting incident 200 kilometers away in another state on a Monday morning. Fearing she might get involved in a similar incident, she trembled with fear and didn’t want to go to work. However, she reassured herself, saying, “It’s okay; the office is far from there, and if I just go as usual, everything will be fine. I have an important meeting.”
The interplay involves a dynamic process where individuals regulate their emotional experiences in sensitivity and insensitivity. Sensitivity might lead to heightened emotional responses, and insensitivity can be a way to regulate or modulate these responses.
Maintain Balance and Prevent Emotional Overload
HSP often experience intense emotional reactions to stimuli in their environment. This heightened sensitivity can lead to emotional overload, making it challenging to maintain balance and composure.
In certain situations, individuals may find that being less sensitive or temporarily suppressing their emotional responses serves as a protective buffer. This insensitivity acts as a defense mechanism to prevent emotional overwhelm and maintain psychological equilibrium.
Even if not an HSP, living in an environment one never desired for an extended period can lead to the heart, once filled with sadness and anger, becoming numb due to excessive stress, making it difficult to feel anything at all. This would imply that sensitivity and insensitivity are not necessarily conflicting but rather coexisting elements.
- Balancing Act
People often navigate a delicate balance between sensitivity and insensitivity. While sensitivity might dominate in certain situations, there are instances where individuals consciously or unconsciously adopt insensitivity as a coping mechanism.
- Adaptability
People adapt to managing their emotional experiences. They may dynamically shift between sensitivity and insensitivity based on the context, suggesting that these states can coexist within the same person.
- Nuanced Perspectives
To embrace a more nuanced perspective, sensitivity doesn’t mean an absolute absence of insensitivity, and vice versa.
Insensitivity as a Defense Mechanism
Defense mechanisms are psychological strategies employed unconsciously to cope with anxiety, stress, or emotional conflict.
- Adaptability
The development of insensitivity as a response to sensitivity can be seen as an adaptive strategy. It’s a way for individuals to navigate the challenges posed by their heightened sensitivity and to create a psychological defense against potential emotional distress.
- Insensitivity as a Shield
Using insensitivity as a shield is akin to creating a psychological barrier. It helps filter and regulate the emotional impact of stimuli, preventing it from becoming overwhelming. This shielding mechanism allows individuals to navigate their environment without being constantly inundated by intense emotions.
At times, Mike is advised by doctors to cut back on alcohol consumption, but since he doesn’t perceive any symptoms that strongly indicate harm to his health, he maintains an optimistic outlook. Covering emotional wounds with insensitivity is not always a good practice.
Maintaining Balance: Individual Variability
The interplay between sensitivity and insensitivity is highly individualized is essential. People may lean more towards insensitivity as a protective measure, while others might cultivate alternative coping strategies to navigate their sensitivity without resorting to insensitivity. Recognizing and respecting this diversity allows for a more nuanced approach to emotional well-being.
In certain social interactions, such as those in the workplace or at school, where immediate responses are often expected, it is necessary to restrain emotions and maintain a level of emotional control. However, relying solely on insensitivity in all situations can be perilous, as it may lead to overlooking important aspects. Therefore, taking the time, especially in a relaxed setting at home, is crucial to reflect on emotions, recall how you felt in a given situation, and gradually embrace those feelings.
Bonus Insights
In my research on sensitivity and insensitivity, I found an intriguing study indicating that a mother’s sensitivity and insensitivity can significantly impact childcare at very early stages. While HSP are consistent across genders, the research particularly emphasizes the sensitivity of mothers interacting closely with infants, especially during the early stages. I will delve into parenting with HSP or parenting Highly Sensitive Children (HSC) in a separate post, but if you’re interested, feel free to check out these two studies.
About parenting as a highly sensitive parent, go to Navigating Parenthood as a Highly Sensitive Parent
Ainsworth, Mary D. S. (n.d). Maternal Sensitivity Scales. Retrieved January 29, 2024, from http://www.psychology.sunysb.edu/attachment/measures/content/ainsworth_scales.html
Badovinac, S., Gennis, H., Riddell, R. P., Garfield, H., & Greenberg, S. (2018). Understanding the Relative Contributions of Sensitive and Insensitive Parent Behaviors on Infant Vaccination Pain. Children (Basel, Switzerland), 5(6), 80. https://doi.org/10.3390/children5060080
Conclusion
In exploring sensitivity and insensitivity, we’ve unraveled a complex dance between heightened awareness and protective mechanisms. Whether one identifies as an HSP or not, the acknowledgment that sensitivity may be veiled by insensitivity is a shared revelation.
The interplay involves a delicate balancing act, where individuals adapt to diverse situations, utilizing insensitivity as both a shield and coping strategy. Recognizing the individualized nature of this balance is crucial, as some may lean towards insensitivity for protection while others explore alternative coping mechanisms.
Nuanced perspectives emphasize that sensitivity and insensitivity coexist within the same person. Emotional restraint is acknowledged in environments demanding quick responses, but overreliance on insensitivity may risk neglecting essential emotional nuances. Hence, the call to reflect, recall, and gradually embrace feelings becomes integral to achieving an authentic and resilient balance.
Thank you for reading until the end!
References
Cherry, Kendra MS (2023, November 14). Denial as a Defense Mechanism. Retrieved January 29, 2024, from https://www.verywellmind.com/denial-as-a-defense-mechanism-5114461
Ackerman, Courtney(2018, July 3rd). What is Self-Regulation? (+95 Skills and Strategies). Retrieved January 29, 2024, from https://positivepsychology.com/self-regulation/
