The awesome as well as the awful: Heightened sensory sensitivity predicts the presence and intensity of Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR)

Giulia Poerio, Safiyya Mank, Thomas Hostler

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

ASMR is a complex positive emotion experienced by some people in response to triggers including auditory, visual, interpersonal and tactile stimuli. We propose that the ability to experience ASMR and its resulting intensity might be underlined by individual differences in sensory sensitivity to exteroceptive and interoceptive cues. In a pre-registered study (N = 557), we examined whether sensory sensitivity measures (1) differentiated ASMR from non-ASMR responders and (2) predicted ASMR intensity. Results showed that people with (stronger) ASMR had greater interoceptive sensitivity (MAIA2) and bodily awareness (BPQ-BA) and were more likely to be classified as highly sensitive (HSPS). Results are discussed in relation to individual differences in environmental sensitivity, interoception, and emotional appraisal processes.
Original languageEnglish
Article number104183
JournalJournal of Research in Personality
Volume97
Issue number104183
Early online date19 Dec 2021
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 30 Apr 2022

Keywords

  • ASMR
  • Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response
  • Bodily awareness
  • Highly sensitive person
  • Interoception
  • Sensory sensitivity
  • Tingling
  • Well-being

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