
HSP; Temperament or Personality?
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, harmoniousHigh C – Violin; practice and precisionWhich 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 SensitivityWhy sensitivity is about processing information deeply — not being overly emotionalThe difference between temperament and personalityHow highly sensitive people experience overstimulation, empathy, creativity, and emotional processingThe research behind environmental sensitivity and sensory processing sensitivityWhy some psychologists believe sensitivity belongs alongside The Big Five: Openness, Conscientiousness, Extroversion, Agreeableness, and NeuroticismHow reframing sensitivity as a personality trait could reduce stigma and increase self-understandingIf 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 1Thriving As A Highly Sensitive PersonThe Big FiveEpisode Timestamps:00:00 - Why Sensitivity Matters00:20 - Meet the Host and Producer00:41 - Mood Check In01:53 - Big Five to Big Six: Sensitivity02:35 - DISC As… Instruments02:58 - What High Sensitivity Means04:03 - Type One Super Sensor07:05 - Type Two Super Feeler10:02 - Type Three Aesthete13:41 - Temperament vs Personality16:47 - Four Reasons to Add It18:55 - HSP Stigma20:00 - Should It Be The Big Six20:41 - Summer Hiatus But Season 5 Will Be Back in The FallIf you're interested in learning more about team building, coaching, strategic hiring and onboarding, let's connect!discoverwhatworks@gmail.comhttps://pod.link/1614071253https://discoverwhatworks.org/https://www.facebook.com/VictoriaDISChttps://www.instagram.com/discoverwhatworks/https://www.linkedin.com/in/discoverwhatworksMentioned in this episode:Fast Facts










