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August 23, 2025Open Access

Sensitive to what? Environmental sensitivity primarily amplifies affective responses to features of the social rather than physical environment

KMKimberly Lewis MeidenbauerWashington State University SPSepehr PourkhaliliIsfahan University of Medical Sciences KSKathryn E. SchertzUniversity of Michigan

Key Points

Individuals with higher environmental sensitivity experienced significantly improved emotional responses in safe environments, especially with positive social interactions.
HSP traits correlated with emotional states, particularly the Ease of Excitation and Low Sensory Threshold subscales, impacting reactions to social cues.
The research assessed moderating effects of HSP traits on emotional responses to outdoor environments, emphasizing social over physical factors.
Findings suggest that while aesthetic sensitivity showed some positive impacts, it did not significantly moderate emotional responses overall.

Abstract

Environmental sensitivity, measured by the Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) Scale, influences how individuals react psychologically to life events and various environments. Previous research indicates that environmental features impact emotional responses, yet few studies have focused on how these effects vary among those with higher HSP traits. This study explored the moderating role of HSP and its subscales—Ease of Excitation (EoE), Aesthetic Sensitivity (AES), and Low Sensory Threshold (LST)—in relation to outdoor environmental exposures and emotional states. Findings revealed that HSP, EoE, and LST significantly moderated responses to social cues related to safety. Individuals with higher HSP scores experienced more positive emotions in safe, orderly environments with positive social interactions. However, AES did not show significant moderation, though those with higher aesthetic sensitivity reported better emotional responses in urban parks. Overall, the results suggest HSP traits reflect sensitivity to social rather than physical environmental factors.

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