In 1991, psychologist Dr. Elaine Aron coined the term highly sensitive person (HSP) to refer to people who demonstrate high sensory-processing sensitivity. According to Aron’s research, while all of us can display sensitivity, highly sensitive people (HSPs) tend to have a greater response to stress.
When you try personality testing for the first time, you might be surprised by the knock-on effect it can have in all aspects of your life. Knowing your personality type can open up new doors to understanding yourself and the people around you.
Curious to know more? Here are 7 unintended consequences of personality testing that you might not be prepared for…
If you’ve ever wondered if you’re more sensitive than others around you, you might be a highly sensitive person (HSP). But what is a highly sensitive person? Although it’s easy to assume that a HSP experiences a greater reaction to sad situations and criticism, and is therefore more prone to stress and overwhelm, what makes someone an HSP goes much deeper than that. There’s biology involved, as well as personality science, which explains why HSPs respond differently to others and may face different challenges.
Let’s take a deeper look.
“He’s much too extraverted to be a Type 5 Investigator.”
"She’s way too introverted to be a Type 7 Enthusiast.”
As someone who’s conducted hundreds of Enneagram typing interviews, I cringe when I hear these statements because these generalizations highlight a basic misunderstanding of the Enneagram – the mistaken belief that someone’s Enneagram type can be uncovered based solely by observing their behavior.
Each personality trait has its own strong points. No type is “better” than the other. We’re just each better at certain things. And, we should value our own strengths and rightly expect others to respect us as we are, too.
Our preferences usually are our strengths. However, there are times when even our strengths can hold us back in certain situations, or when we’d just benefit from trying out the opposite way of doing things for a more balanced approach.
Take the case of Thinkers vs. Feelers. Both traits have benefits, and both tendencies are valuable.
Regardless of where you fall on the Myers-Briggs personality spectrum, we all carry a capacity for intuition within us. It’s the sixth sense we have when we instinctively know whether something we’re doing is right or wrong. But should you always trust your intuition? And how do you distinguish it from fear or paranoia?
So, you’re ready to enter the world of self-discovery that a personality test can lead you to. Whatever type of test you choose, it will help you the most if you take measures to ensure that your results are as authentic as possible.
When it comes to making your testing experience more effective, how you think about, approach, and take the test, as well as how you view your results, can make a difference in your ability to get the most benefit from the experience.
Are you a super Sensor? Does your body thrill with sensations as you move through your environment? Are colors, scents, or sounds the first thing you notice when you walk into a room? Does feeling hungry distract you to the point that you will stop what you’re doing for a snack?
Whether you’ve already got a trip planned or you’re thinking about joining the ranks of others who are making the most of domestic travel in 2022, taking a road trip might be one of the most appealing ways to get out and explore after being cooped up for the last couple of years. Plus, a road trip has plenty to offer without worrying about embarking on an international trip.
It might be easier to relate to, like, and be liked by people with personality traits similar to your own.
But you will need to interact with people of different personality types and traits as well. The experience will likely be more pleasant if you can not only tolerate each other, but figure out ways to enjoy and benefit from each other’s company. Even better if you can help people with different personality types to like you, and find that you like them in turn.
THE FINE PRINT:
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