Am I Overstimulated by Physical Touch? Quiz

Am I Overstimulated by Physical Touch?

Discover your tactile sensitivity and learn how to honor your body's boundaries around physical contact.

Disclaimer: This quiz is designed for educational and self-awareness purposes only. Touch sensitivity exists on a spectrum and can be influenced by neurodivergence, trauma, sensory processing differences, and personal preferences. This is not a diagnostic tool.

Your Progress 0/10

1

When someone hugs me unexpectedly:

I feel comfortable and enjoy the spontaneous physical affection

It depends on who it is and my mood, but I can usually tolerate it

I feel uncomfortable and need to mentally prepare myself for physical contact

I tense up, feel overwhelmed, or experience fight/flight/freeze response

Back Next

2

Regarding clothing textures and tags:

I rarely notice or care about fabric textures - most clothing feels fine to me

I have some preferences but can adapt to different fabrics without major distress

Certain textures are uncomfortable and I avoid them; I cut out all tags

Fabric sensations can feel unbearable and affect my ability to function; I have very limited clothing options

Back Next

3

In crowded spaces where people might brush against me:

I don't mind the incidental contact - it's just part of being around people

It's slightly annoying but I can handle it for reasonable periods

I find it very uncomfortable and actively try to create personal space bubbles

I feel panicked, overwhelmed, or need to leave; the touch feels invasive and intolerable

Back Next

4

My experience with romantic/sexual physical intimacy:

I enjoy physical touch and intimacy without sensory overwhelm

I enjoy intimacy but need breaks or specific conditions (timing, energy level, etc.)

I want intimacy but struggle with sensory overload; I need very specific types of touch

Physical intimacy often feels overwhelming, painful, or triggering even when I want emotional closeness

Back Next

5

After receiving physical touch (massage, medical exam, hair appointment):

I feel relaxed, energized, or neutral - no particular recovery needed

I might need a brief period of quiet or alone time but bounce back quickly

I need significant time alone to recover; I feel drained or overstimulated

I feel completely depleted, dysregulated, or can still feel the touch on my skin hours later

Back Next

6

Regarding light touch (like someone brushing my arm or back):

I find it pleasant, soothing, or neutral - doesn't bother me

It's okay from some people but not my favorite type of touch

It's uncomfortable or ticklish; I strongly prefer firm pressure instead

It feels like insects crawling on me, painful, or unbearable - I have to move away immediately

Back Next

7

When I'm stressed, tired, or overwhelmed, my tolerance for touch:

Stays about the same - stress doesn't significantly affect my comfort with physical contact

Decreases somewhat - I prefer less touch but can still handle necessary contact

Drops significantly - touch that's normally okay becomes uncomfortable or irritating

Becomes nearly zero - even loved ones touching me can feel unbearable or triggering

Back Next

8

My boundaries around physical touch in relationships:

Are flexible and rarely cause issues - I'm generally comfortable with affection

Exist but are manageable - I can communicate preferences and partners usually understand

Are important and specific - I need partners who respect my touch needs and ask for consent

Are essential and often misunderstood - touch sensitivity has caused significant relationship challenges

Back Next

9

When I do want physical touch, I prefer:

Any type of touch from people I care about - I'm not particularly sensitive to how it's given

Some types over others, but I have a decent range of touch I can enjoy

Very specific types (firm pressure, certain body areas, particular contexts) - otherwise it's uncomfortable

Extremely limited circumstances (deep pressure only, initiated by me, specific people) - my window is very narrow

Back Next

10

Overall, my experience with physical touch in daily life:

Is generally positive and uncomplicated - touch doesn't require much thought or management

Requires some awareness and boundaries, but doesn't significantly impact my life

Requires constant management, communication, and self-advocacy to maintain comfort

Is a major challenge that affects my relationships, daily activities, and overall wellbeing

Back See My Results

Support for Touch Sensitivity & Boundaries

Sensory Processing Support

• Understand your tactile sensitivity and sensory profile
• Learn strategies for managing touch overstimulation
• Develop self-advocacy skills for communicating boundaries
• Explore occupational therapy for sensory integration
• Build a toolkit of regulation strategies
• Connect with neurodivergent-affirming providers

Relationship & Intimacy Counseling

• Navigate touch differences in relationships
• Develop communication strategies with partners
• Address trauma that may affect touch tolerance
• Explore alternative ways of expressing affection
• Build understanding of sensory needs in couples therapy
• Create touch agreements that honor everyone's bodies

Touch sensitivity is a valid neurological and sensory experience. Whether related to neurodivergence, trauma, or simply your natural nervous system, your boundaries around physical contact deserve respect and accommodation.

Ready to better understand and honor your tactile needs?

Schedule a Consultation