Researching the Highly Sensitive Brain with Dr. Bianca Acevedo Naturally Sensitive

Season 2 Episode 47

This week we are honored to be joined by Dr. Bianca Acevedo, a researcher at the University of California, Santa Barbara, and an editor and author of the “The Highly Sensitive Brain”. This has been a long-anticipated episode for Jessi as she has admired Bianca’s work as a global leader in the field of Sensitive research for many years. Her research experience has brought her into partnership with monumental players such as Dr. Elaine Aaron in the study of high sensitivity. Bianca helps to deepen our understanding of ourselves through scientific explanation of the highly sensitive brain. She reminds us that our need to live differently is legitimate and backed by factual evidence. What does a positive environment for an HSP look like? How is our brain wired differently than the rest of the population? Are traits of an HSP genetic? Bianca walks us through this and more during this very informative and empowering conversation!

Topics Discussed:
How a highly sensitive brain interprets & reacts differently in everyday life. [00:10:00]
How the traits of a highly sensitive person (HSP) & sensory processing sensitivity (SPS) differ from those on the autistic spectrum. [00:21:30]
How and why our environment deeply impacts us as Sensitives. [00:46:50]

Quotes:
“HSP are perceptive. We attend to subtleties, we're cautious and reflective so we make great leaders. We are in tune with what other people need to succeed and thrive. So I say, go for it, put HSP in positions of power. When we do we will likely have people that are making careful decisions that benefit the greater good of society.” - Dr. Bianca Acevedo

“HSP or those with SPS often seek out non-impulsive high sensation experiences. This means that they will book an exciting adventure but they won’t do it without first doing some research.” - Dr. Bianca Acevedo

Connect with Bianca:
www.biancaacevedo.com

Resources and links Mentioned:

The Highly Sensitive Brain (Discount Code Neuro30)
The Highly Sensitive Brain: An fMRI study of sensory processing sensitivity and response to others' emotions
Sensory Processing Sensitivity Predicts Individual Differences in Resting
Sensory Processing Sensitivity in the context of Environmental Sensitivity: A critical review and development of research agenda
The Functional Highly Sensitive Brain: A review of underlying SPS and seemingly related disorders
Sensory Processing Sensitivity and Childhood Quality Effects on Neural Responses to Emotional Stimuli

Further Articles on the Topics Discussed:

Psychology Today Blog
The 3 Genes That Potentially Lead to High Sensitivity
The Difference Between the Typical Brain & the Highly Sensitive Brain

Episode Transcript Here

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