Who Has Anomalous Experiences Today? Evidence for the Highly Sensitive Person Paradox

Anomalous experiences are often viewed as red flags for psychosis-yet many individuals who report them show no signs of clinical disorder. This study reveals a paradox: traits associated with the <i>Highly Sensitive Person</i> (HSP) do not increase <i>Anomalous Perceived Phenomena</i> (APP). Instead, when considered within the <i>Psychosis Continuum Model</i> (PCM), sensitivity appears to act as a suppressor. Drawing on data from 1215 adults, we tested the <i>Integrated Temperamental-Sensitivity Theory of Anomalous Experience</i> (ITSTAE), a multifactorial model integrating temperament, HSP traits, and PCM dynamics. As expected, psychotic traits predicted higher APP scores. However, HSP traits only became predictive when moderated by PCM-and notably, the effect was negative. The more sensitive the individual, the fewer anomalous perceptions they reported under psychotic pressure. <i>Structural Equation Modeling</i> (SEM) confirmed the model's fit, with explained variance in APP rising from 47.1% to 61.4% when PCM mediation was included. <i>Multitrait-Multimethod</i> (MTMM) analyses further validated the conceptual independence of HSP and PCM. These findings challenge psychiatric reductionism and suggest a more nuanced, non-pathologizing lens on altered perception. Far from signaling fragility, heightened sensitivity may serve as a buffer-a cognitive shield-against psychosis-linked anomalous experiences. This model reframes sensitivity not as vulnerability, but as a form of psychological complexity.