What is this test for?
“High emotional potential” exists in no classification or scientific literature: no consensus definition, no threshold, no validated instrument. What research actually studies are two neighbouring things: trait emotional intelligence (the way you perceive, understand and use emotions — yours is measured with tools like the TEIQue) and sensory processing sensitivity (the depth with which your nervous system processes stimulation, described by Elaine Aron back in 1997).
Our questionnaire draws a descriptive profile across four facets — awareness of your emotions, perception of others, intensity, regulation — to help you see where your sensitivity is a resource and where it costs you.
Who is it for?
For those who recognise themselves in “highly sensitive”, “emotional sponge” or “HSP” and want to make something useful of it: understanding their emotional functioning, identifying the facet to work on (often regulation), or preparing a conversation with a therapist.
How does it work?
You position yourself on 18 statements (5-point agreement) covering four facets. The result is a profile — tempered register, marked sensitivity or intense emotional life — with the detail by facet and a specific reading when regulation lags behind the rest: that is the lever that changes daily life the most. Computation runs entirely in your browser.
The science behind this test
On emotional intelligence, K.V. Petrides’ (University College London) “trait” model is the most supported for self-assessment: his questionnaire, the TEIQue, has a French validation (Mikolajczak et al., 2007). It is a licensed instrument, reserved for research and authorised practitioners — we do not reproduce it, we draw on it freely and we say so.
On high sensitivity, Aron & Aron’s (1997) HSP scale describes deeper sensory processing in part of the population; a French validation has been published (Bordarie et al., 2022). Again: an instrument under rights, which professionals may use — not us.
And the emotional-giftedness/giftedness link? Recent French work mainly shows that these labels belong to social representations more than to scientific categories (d’Abbadie de Nodrest & Maire, 2023). Intense sensitivity is neither a disorder nor proof of giftedness: it is a trait, lived all the better for being equipped.
Full transparency
A MoodTrakr exploration questionnaire, not validated, which “diagnoses” no emotional giftedness — no one can, since the construct is not scientifically defined. If your sensitivity comes with suffering (anxiety, exhaustion), it is that which deserves a consultation, independently of any label.
- “High emotional potential” is not a scientific construct: no founding study, no threshold, no validated instrument defines it. We use the term because you’re searching for it — not because it is clinically grounded.
- MoodTrakr exploration questionnaire, not validated: it describes, it does not measure. No probability can be displayed.
- Intense sensitivity is neither a disorder nor a “gift”: if it makes you suffer (anxiety, burnout), it’s that — the suffering — that deserves support.
The reference tests used by professionals
This questionnaire replaces none of the tools used in consultation. Here are the ones professionals actually use:
- TEIQue (trait emotional intelligence) — the academic reference instrument (Petrides) — under licence, used by practitioners
- HSPS (high sensitivity scale) — Aron & Aron, validated in French (Bordarie 2022) — under copyright, administered in consultation
Frequently asked questions
Does emotional giftedness exist scientifically?
No: no classification, no founding study, no threshold defines “high emotional potential”. The notions studied are trait emotional intelligence (Petrides, TEIQue) and sensory processing sensitivity (Aron). We use the phrase because it is what you search for — and we tell you what it is worth.
Do emotional giftedness and giftedness go together?
Nothing shows it. The popular link between high intellectual potential and hypersensitivity does not hold up to the data (Ramus & Gauvrit, 2017); giftedness and “emotional giftedness” are distinct questions, each to be explored with the right tools.
Is being highly sensitive being fragile?
No. Sensory processing sensitivity is a trait, not a pathology: depending on the environment, it amplifies the best (fine perception, empathy, creativity) as well as the worst (overload, exhaustion). The difference plays out largely on regulation and recovery hygiene — two things that can be learned.
Can you improve your emotional regulation?
Yes, it is even one of the most trainable facets: cognitive behavioural therapies, mindfulness, work on sleep and recovery, breathing techniques all have documented effects. If your profile shows lagging regulation, that is good news in disguise: it is the most actionable lever.
Is this questionnaire validated?
No, and we display it: it is an exploration tool designed by MoodTrakr, inspired by the cited literature but with no validation study of its own. The validated instruments in the field (TEIQue, HSP scale) are under licence and are taken with professionals or in research.
Sources & methodology
This page draws on the references below — official guidelines, published studies and institutional documents. Every link is checked automatically at each release. Instrument attribution: MoodTrakr exploration questionnaire (2026), facets inspired by the literature on trait emotional intelligence (TEIQue, not reproduced) and high sensitivity (HSPS, not reproduced). Not clinically validated.
- Aron & Aron, J Pers Soc Psychol, 1997 — the founding article of sensory processing sensitivity
- Bordarie J et al., 2022 — French validation of the high-sensitivity scale (HSPS-FR, HAL)
- London Psychometric Laboratory — the TEIQue and its terms of use
- d’Abbadie de Nodrest & Maire, 2023 — giftedness/emotional giftedness: social representations vs science (HAL)
- Ramus F & Gauvrit N, 2017 — “The dark legend of the gifted”
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