International Conference on Sensitivity Research

Attending and presenting at the 3rd  International Conference on Sensitivity Research was an enriching  experience––both intellectually and personally. As the name suggests, the  conference centred on sensitivity, a personality trait characterised by  heightened registration, processing, and responsiveness to environmental  stimuli.

Researchers from across the globe gathered  to share their work, spanning a wide array of methodologies––from brain  imaging to qualitative inquiry. This diversity not only facilitated a dynamic  learning environment but also created invaluable opportunities for networking.

But what truly set this conference apart  was its unique milieu. In contrast to many conferences, the audience wasn’t  limited to academics. Many attendees came out of personal resonance with the  topic, bringing a sense of authenticity and depth rarely felt at typical  academic conferences. Even presenters often identified as 'highly sensitive' during  their talks, creating a shared atmosphere of openness and understanding—one  that reached beyond scholarly interest and into something more intimate and  human.

Research suggests that individuals high in  sensitivity may be more prone to loneliness––perhaps because they reflect more  deeply and care more intensely than most. I say the latter from personal  observation throughout the 12 hours of this event, which was imbued with  meaningful and deep conversations. While I had expected to make a few academic  connections, I did not expect to leave with personal ones––ones I hope will  last for years to come.

I also had the opportunity to present my  own work on environmental sensitivity’s dual role in posttraumatic stress and  growth. This was especially meaningful to me––not only because of my passion  for the topic, but also because I’ve long found public speaking  anxiety-inducing. Yet, the open atmosphere at this conference made it easier.  Pleasantly so. I now hope to inspire a similar space for others in future  conferences.

I learned a great deal. But what stayed  with me most is this: research conferences don’t have to feel rigid or  impersonal. The human beings behind the data––their stories and vulnerabilities––matter  just as much as the methodologies they bring. Indeed, in psychology research,  human beings are the very essence of the research, and this conference helped  me connect with this truth in ways that felt both soothing and inspiring.