Last Updated on February 3, 2023 by Mike Robinson

The ability to recognize, detect and comprehend the signs and circumstances of social interactions is known as social sensitivity. It refers to how well we understand the emotions and ideas of others as well as our overall understanding of social rules.

Social Sensitivity

We can understand other people’s emotions by applying the idea of social sensitivity. The basic principle of sensitivity is having a thorough understanding of social norms.

 The traditional symbols for social awareness are hands of different colors, representing unity and diversity. 

For example, a person with social sensitivity understands the signs of conversation and stops talking to listen to others.

The contrary would be someone who talks about himself, constantly talks over others, or interrupts others while speaking, disobeying social cues to stop.

Social intelligence and social sensitivity are now intertwined and have some similar traits. Most people consider it an essential social skill since it contributes significantly to group effectiveness.

Research shows a direct correlation between a group’s social sensitivity, collective intelligence, and general capacity to carry out various tasks. In other words, individuals who are socially aware in a group operate effectively as a team.

Characteristics of people with social sensitivity

1. They have a great imagination (they are creative).
2. They are perceptive of the feelings of others.
3. They are good listeners and tend to be warm and careful in their relationships.
4. They are good at dealing with social relationships and adapting well to social situations.
5. They accept people for who they are, with their differences.
6. They have extensive knowledge of social rules and norms.
7. They express deep concern about the adequacy of their behavior and the behavior of others.
8. They work with a lot of passion.
9. They are aware and compassionate.
10. They are intuitive, careful, and spiritual.
11. They respect and enjoy nature, art, and music.
12. They have goals and can see beyond what others see.
13. They take responsibility for social problems.
14. They are interested in world affairs.
15. They seek to improve the mood of others.

On the other hand, socially sensitive individuals tend to be open to new ideas, interpret things accurately, and react to the requirements of team members. As a result, they foster an environment where everyone generates fresh ideas and shares responsibilities.

Ways to handle socially sensitive skills.

According to The Highly Sensitive Person’s Survival Guide by Elaine Aaron, people with social sensitivity must develop the ability to manage their skills. Here are the reasons:

• Highly sensitive people are readily moved emotionally to the point where they can feel extreme happiness or intense suffering. They may be a hybrid of an introvert and an extrovert. They sometimes need to be alone to concentrate while other times are enjoying connections with others and their surroundings.
• Highly sensitive individuals require time alone to evaluate what they take in. They like connecting with nature, regular exercise, rest, and meditation. They prefer activities that satisfy their desire to calm down after constant stimulation. They may have a low tolerance for noise or anything too intense regarding emotions.
• They must also learn to find a balance between giving and receiving love. It is essential to realize that self-sacrifice leading to emotional deprivation is unhealthy.
• And last but not least, these individuals have to find meaning in their lives. This is a basic human desire, but this is a real need for these people. Their deepest desire is to help others be happy. They want to use their skills to draw out their creative side and make this world better for everyone.

Social sensitivity studies

• According to Baldwin M. Camino (2010), genes that affect brain function can influence the acceptance and formation of cultural norms. In turn, culture can also shape expression and gene selection.
• There were studies by Casper (2002) and Kim-Cohen (2006) on the interaction between genes and the environment. These studies revealed the impact of exposure to abuse or other ill-treatment during childhood. The results confirmed significant increases in the probability of engaging in antisocial behaviors in adulthood.
• According to Fiske (1998), in socialist cultures, relationships are enduring because of social bonds. These bonds materialize through mutual obligations between family members, clan members, or members of the same religion. 
• Adams and Plait (2003) assert in their study that individualistic cultures place a high degree of focus on personal autonomy. In other words, individual needs often replace the group’s needs. Therefore, relationships are more short-lived, which may lead to the perception that the individual is not part of a social network.

Related article: How to develop social-emotional skills?

According to Yamaguchi’s (1994) research, heightened sensitivity to rejection signals and increased anxiety about the effects of rejection. This anxiety may cause individuals to become more interested in the internal group, a feature of collectivism. In order to lessen the chance of losing their own social network, this may stimulate the realization of social relationships.