What if sensitivity isn't a weakness at all — but a personality trait that deserves a place alongside the Big Five?

In this episode, host Victoria Theriault explores the fascinating case for making sensitivity the sixth major personality trait. Drawing on the work of Dr. Elaine Aron, Dr. Lacey Parker, and other researchers, she unpacks what it really means to be a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) and why sensitivity may have been misunderstood for far too long.

Summer is here, so you know what this means… DISC as musical instruments 🎵

High D - Drums; boom, right to the point!

High I – Tambourine; give it a shake, it’s time to party 😊

High S – Harp; soothing, harmonious

High C – Violin; practice and precision

Which instrument sounds most like you?

The conversation shifts into something deeper:

What if being highly sensitive isn't about being emotional — but about processing the world differently?

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• A breakdown of the three types of sensitivity: Low Sensory Threshold, Ease of Excitation, and Aesthetic Sensitivity
• Why sensitivity is about processing information deeply — not being overly emotional
• The difference between temperament and personality
• How highly sensitive people experience overstimulation, empathy, creativity, and emotional processing
• The research behind environmental sensitivity and sensory processing sensitivity
• Why some psychologists believe sensitivity belongs alongside The Big Five: Openness, Conscientiousness, Extroversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism
• How reframing sensitivity as a personality trait could reduce stigma and increase self-understanding

If you've ever felt overwhelmed by noise, deeply affected by other people's emotions, moved profoundly by music or art, or wondered why you seem to process experiences more intensely than others, this episode may help you see those traits through a completely different lens.

Because sensitivity isn't about being fragile.

It may be one of the most misunderstood strengths we have.

➽ Check out previous episodes for a more detailed background:

The Highly Sensitive Person Part 1

Thriving As A Highly Sensitive Person

The Big Five

Episode Timestamps:

00:00 - Why Sensitivity Matters

00:20 - Meet the Host and Producer

00:41 - Mood Check In

01:53 - Big Five to Big Six: Sensitivity

02:35 - DISC As… Instruments

02:58 - What High Sensitivity Means

04:03 - Type One Super Sensor

07:05 - Type Two Super Feeler

10:02 - Type Three Aesthete

13:41 - Temperament vs Personality

16:47 - Four Reasons to Add It

18:55 - HSP Stigma

20:00 - Should It Be The Big Six

20:41 - Summer Hiatus But Season 5 Will Be Back in The Fall

If you're interested in learning more about team building, coaching, strategic hiring and onboarding, let's connect!

[email protected]

https://pod.link/1614071253

https://discoverwhatworks.org/

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https://www.linkedin.com/in/discoverwhatworks

Mentioned in this episode:

Fast Facts