A growing body of research shows that emotional sensitivity is common and multifaceted. It stems from biology, life experiences, and cultural dynamics—and it is not simply “overreacting.” This belief persists in Thai families and workplaces, but experts say sensitivity is a normal variation in human temperament.
Highly sensitive people tend to linger on small social slights—like a friend’s offhand joke or a sharp remark. In interviews, a prominent psychology and neuroscience scholar explains that these moments sting because they signal lower relational value: “It conveys that I don’t have a whole lot of relational value to you.” Some individuals feel emotions more intensely and may struggle to brush them off.
Experts describe heightened sensitivity as having more “emotional information-tracking sensors.” A clinical social worker and director of a US dialectical behavior therapy center says, “The more sensors you have, the more data you’re receiving, so you feel the world more deeply.” For some, this awareness enriches life; for others, it can feel overwhelming. Without coping strategies, small hurts can accumulate into longer-term distress.
Yet emotional attunement isn’t inherently negative. Still, persistent wounds can erode self-esteem and strain relationships when others fail to understand these sensitivities. The key questions remain: Why are some people more sensitive, and how can they manage strong reactions?
Genetic and environmental factors play a role. Some people are born with “bigger feelings,” a temperament that is highly sensitive. They are often more responsive to sights, sounds, and other cues. Researchers note that Thai culture has long encouraged the idea of growing thicker skin or not overreacting—a refrain common in families, schools, and offices.
Life experiences, especially early childhood rejection or trauma, also shape emotional responsiveness. A Berkeley psychology scholar explains that hurt children may develop “rejection sensitivity,” always bracing for more pain. In Thai classrooms and homes, indirect communication and the value placed on kreng jai—deference to others’ feelings—can complicate recognizing and addressing emotional wounds.
Challenging stereotypes, recent research finds men and women are equally likely to be highly sensitive, even if women report emotion more openly. A twin study found no significant gender difference. This challenges Thai and global assumptions that men are emotionally restrained and women are overly emotional. The findings suggest that social expectations, not biology, drive these stereotypes.
A core driver of hurt feelings is the desire to matter and be accepted. The stronger the need for another’s approval, the more sensitive a person may be to signs of possible rejection. In Thailand’s collectivist culture, where face and social harmony are valued, this insight is especially relevant.
Feeling securely connected to family, friends, or colleagues helps people handle teasing or insults more easily. When relationships feel fragile, even mild remarks can worsen insecurities and lead to withdrawal.
What can individuals do to find balance—and how can Thai families, friends, and workplaces respond supportively? Experts emphasize that sensitivity and rejection sensitivity can become self-perpetuating, but with the right skills, this pattern can be managed or interrupted.
Current research, including work from Berkeley, studies whether self-awareness alone helps or if new skills are needed. Recognizing a tendency to jump to worst-case conclusions—such as reading silence as hostility—can help sensitive people reinterpret social cues more accurately.
Practical steps include pausing to assess whether a perceived insult matters in the long term, distinguishing isolated incidents from patterns, and using calm “I” statements to express feelings (for example: “I’ve noticed you spoke harshly recently—is something going on?”). If the other person is dismissive and outside a close circle, it may be best to move on. For closer relationships, explaining how dismissiveness feels invalidating is important.
With practice, emotional regulation and clear communication can restore confidence and strengthen connections. A senior professor emeritus notes that these strategies help avoid overreacting before choosing a response.
In a Thai context, where saving face and indirect communication are common, Western approaches may need careful adaptation. Mediators such as respected elders or community leaders can help. Schools and workplaces could benefit from mental health education that teaches people to recognize and manage sensitivities while respecting others.
Looking ahead, ongoing research into the biology, psychology, and cultural aspects of emotional sensitivity promises new strategies for managing these tendencies. As mental health awareness grows in Thailand, recognizing that sensitivity is part of human diversity may foster greater compassion and healthier relationships.
For Thais who identify as highly sensitive, practical steps include identifying triggers, clarifying important relationships, developing emotional regulation skills (such as mindfulness or cognitive reframing), and, when appropriate, seeking professional support. Friends, families, and employers should validate sensitive individuals’ experiences, challenge outdated ideas about “toughness,” and cultivate emotionally safe spaces across Thai society.
You’re not necessarily “too sensitive”—you’re wired to feel deeply. With awareness and support, that trait can become a strength.