Study suggests ‘high sensitivity’ label is used by narcissists and psychopaths as a manipulative tactic

August 10, 2023 | 11:00AM ETBank
Research published in Psychological Reports suggests that labeling oneself as a “highly sensitive person” can sometimes be a manipulative tactic used by individuals with dark personality traits, particularly narcissism and psychopathy, to sway others’ behavior and gain advantages. The researchers conducted this study to better understand the construct known as sensory processing sensitivity, which refers to individual differences in sensitivity to internal and external stimuli. This trait is popularly known as being a “highly sensitive person” in public discourse, and some individuals identify...