This self-report measure is designed to screen for heightened sensitivity to internal and external stimuli, including emotional reactivity and responsiveness to environmental demands. The Hypersensitivity Test is intended to support clinical discussion of how sensitivity may relate to stress, interpersonal functioning, and daily coping.
The instrument consists of 48 items and typically takes about 9 minutes to complete. When interpreted in context, Hypersensitivity Test responses may help identify patterns of overstimulation, strong affective resonance, and sensitivity-related distress; it is not a stand-alone diagnostic tool. Original authorship is commonly attributed to Elaine N. Aron.