Highly Sensitive Person Scale: Adaptation and Validation in the Colombian Population

Background: Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS) is a personality trait that characterizes Highly Sensitive Persons (HSPs), who are distinguished by deep information processing, heightened emotional reactivity, and marked sensitivity to subtle environmental stimuli. Although the Highly Sensitive Person Scale (HSPS), developed by Aron and Aron (1997), has been adapted to various cultural contexts, no version had yet been adapted or psychometrically validated for the Colombian population. Methods: The study was conducted in two phases. First, the HSPS was culturally adapted to the Colombian context through translation and expert review by a panel of six specialists (five psychologists and one linguist). A pilot study with 50 participants was conducted to refine the instrument, resulting in the Colombian version (EPAS-COL). In the second phase, the EPAS-COL was administered to a sample of 1222 Colombian participants (917 women and 305 men). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was performed to assess its internal structure, testing nine previously reported models. Reliability was estimated using McDonald’s omega coefficient, and test-retest stability was evaluated in a subsample of 173 participants. Convergent validity was assessed through Spearman correlations with the Activation Proneness Scale (APS), the Behavioral Inhibition System and Behavioral Activation System Scales (BIS/BAS), and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Results: The EPAS-COL showed a good fit to a bifactor model, comprising a general sensitivity factor and three specific factors, with high internal consistency and temporal stability. Significant correlations with related constructs supported its convergent and divergent validity. Conclusions: The EPAS-COL proved to be a valid and reliable tool for assessing sensory processing sensitivity in the Colombian population. Its application may be valuable in clinical, educational, organizational, and health settings, facilitating the identification of the trait and the development of interventions to enhance well-being and quality of life.