In this episode, I’m joined by Michael Pluess, PhD. He’s a Professor in Developmental Psychology at the University of Surrey and one of the leading researchers on environmental sensitivity. Dr. Pluess has spent decades studying why some people are more deeply affected by their experiences — for better and for worse — and how genetics, childhood environments, and life experiences interact to shape highly sensitive individuals.

We explore the science behind high sensitivity, including the concepts of differential susceptibility and vantage sensitivity, and discuss the powerful role that childhood experiences play in shaping resilience, mental health, and wellbeing throughout our lives.

Dr. Pluess shares:

• What environmental sensitivity is, and why some people are more affected by their experiences than others.
• The relationship between genetics and environmental influences.
• Why sensitivity is not fixed solely by genetics.
• How childhood experiences influence resilience later in life.
• Why some highly sensitive people develop greater vulnerability to stress while others develop resilience.
• The link between high sensitivity, anxiety, and depression
• Why highly sensitive people often respond exceptionally well to therapy and interventions.
• Parenting styles that best support sensitive children.

Topics covered:

• The science of environmental sensitivity and what it means to be highly sensitive.
• How genetics and environment work together to shape sensitivity.
• Differential susceptibility and why some people are more affected by life experiences than others.
• The impact of childhood experiences on resilience, wellbeing, and mental health.
• Why some highly sensitive people thrive while others struggle.
• The parenting styles that best support highly sensitive children.
• The strengths of high sensitivity, including creativity, empathy, depth, and purpose.
• Practical ways highly sensitive people can create environments that help them flourish.

About Dr. Michael Pluess:

Michael Pluess, PhD, is a chartered psychologist and Professor in Developmental Psychology at the School of Psychology, University of Surrey. Prof Pluess’ research focuses on the investigation of individual differences in the capacity for Environmental Sensitivity, the notion that some people are more affected by negative as well as positive experiences than other people. His research on Differential Susceptibility and Vantage Sensitivity has been published in the leading journals of the field.

Follow along on Dr. Pluess’ journey:

Website: sensitivityresearch.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/michael-pluess-90674752/

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About Kimberly:

Kimberly Marshall is an ICF-certified Energy and Intuition coach for highly sensitive people (HSPs) and host of The Happy HSP Podcast. After 20 years in the publishing industry working for companies like Time Inc., Monster.com, and W. W. Norton, she left her corporate career to pursue work that better suited her HSP needs. She now help HSPs reconnect with their intuition, energy, and purpose so they can live gentle, soul-aligned lives. 

Through her work, Kimberly hopes to shed more light on the reality of living with high sensitivity and inspire more HSPs to embrace their empathetic, loving, and gentle natures. 

• Hosted/produced by Kimberly Marshall
• Edited by Fonzie Try Media
• Artwork by Tara Corola