Motivation and emotion/Book/2023/Autonomous sensory meridian response and emotion

Overview




Pennelope is trying to get to sleep but her mind is racing with thoughts. While scrolling through her phone she discovers an autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) video. The video is of a child slowly popping bubble wrap (see Figure 1) as the video continues Pennelope feels more and more relaxed with a slight feeling of tension release. She finds the video calms her mind allowing her to become tired and fall asleep with ease.

Have you ever found yourself in a trance state? Fixated on watching someone crush objects into small pieces. As the pieces get smaller and smaller slight relief exhales from your body. Your mind filled with emotions of relaxation and validation. This is a similar experience to that of Pennelope in 'Case study 1'. This experience is known as autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) a new concept to the scientific world that amazes and leaves people in awe. This mix of psychological and physiological response is a marvel to the sensory world, and its exploration has unveiled a fascinating realm where whispers, taps, and delicate sounds can wield a profound influence on our mental and emotional states. Understanding the limited scientific knowledge that leads to extreme forms of emotion. That can benefit an individual in many forms or just for the entertainment of sensory pleasure.

Focus questions:
 * What is ASMR?
 * Why does ASMR occur?
 * What is the relationship between emotion and ASMR?
 * What is the benefit of ASMR?

What is ASMR?
Autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) is a sensory phenomenon that occurs when a person is presented with a visual or audio stimuli. Causing a mix of responses ranging from a tingling feeling to a relaxing sensation depending on the individuals experience. The description of the sensation is described in the name:

Autonomous: Spontaneous, either controlled or uncontrolled.

Sensory: The senses of the human body

Meridian: The peak or climax

Response: The reaction occurring after an experience.

The term was properly developed by Jennifer Allen in 2010. Summarizing her experience in an online forum only for her experience and summary to be supported by other users. This became a viral craze that started with a video being posted to YouTube. Becoming an internet phenomenon in 2010 with a rapid increase in content and following growth every year since. The content is now present in many forms particularly in video content online.

Types of ASMR experiences
ASMR has many variations and categories to define what is happening in the experience. The reaction to the experience is highly dependent on the individual’s own personality and preference. In most cases individuals will enjoy many types of ASMR but this can also have an adverse effect such as disgust, irritation or discomfort to other forms of ASMR. The categories of ASMR consist of:

ASMR community
With the huge following in ASMR content creation a community has been formed to positively encourage and share experiences. The community is majorly online through a range of platforms. Social media platforms such as Facebook, Tik Tok and Twitter are the biggest contributors uniting the following and allowing a domain to share and validate personal experiences. Along with other online streaming services such as Youtube and Twitch giving content creators known as ‘ASMRtist’s’ the opportunity to share the content to a wide audience. Some ASMRtisits’ can earn an incoming for constantly creating content for their private following (Content creator earnings). Finally, other article and forum websites such as Reddit allow for discussions and literature comparisons to spread the understanding of the phenomenon. The community overall encourages the use of ASMR for the positive benefits of self-care, wellbeing and recreation.

{Do you enjoy popping bubble wrap? + Yes - No
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{Have you watched someone cut up soap? - Yes + No
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Physiological effects of ASMR
ASMR is a unique phenomenon, in which little is known to why reactions occur especially on a physiological level. There has been few research that hypothesis’ that due to activity of a physiological pathway while an ASMR experience is occurring it must have a correlation in some form. Yet this specific connection has no evidence to date to establish a direct reasoning. The known physiological relations are reported in the following theories.

Neurological mechanisms
Following the study by Lochte et al. (2018). The results showed the brain regions activated during an ASMR experience. One of these brain regions included the nucleus accumbens, a region of the brain that functions with an influx of dopamine. Proving an association between ASMR and the release of dopamine, a chemical in the brain that produces the feeling of happiness. The activation of dopamine means the mesolimbic dopamine pathway (figure 2) correlates to ASMR. This pathway is a part of the reward systems in the brain. Therefore, ASMR causes a feeling of happiness on a physiological level. Furthermore, a study by Smith et al. (2017) explored the relationship of ASMR and the default mode network (DMN). Findings showed as participants of the study experienced ASMR, altercations occurred in their brain activity. Increasing function to regions associated with emotion and a reduction in connectivity to other regions. To conclude a study by Sakurai et al. (2023) used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to isolate brain regions associated with certain stimuli. Results showed “specific sites of activation for audiovisual stimulation were the middle frontal gyrus and the left nucleus accumbens, while the specific sites of activation for auditory stimulation were the bilateral insular cortices”. Supporting previous research and narrowing down involved brain regions to stimuli type.

 Grant was bored and didn’t know what to do with his evening. He opened the Tik Tok app on his phone, coming across a range of videos labelled ASMR. He started watching the video and found himself in a spiral of constantly watching the videos. The content of the video consisted of multiple people tapping their nails in unison then changing the tempo and volume higher before returning to normal. As Grant watched the video, he felt a tingling feeling within his body. Making him feel happy and relaxed as the tapping occurred. After the video, Grant noticed his arms was covered in goosebumps.

James-Lange theory of emotion


The theory of emotion proposed by James Lange, is the hypothesis that emotions occur from physiological responses to stimuli (Figure 3). Proposing that emotional experiences are shaped by bodily reactions. Within the ASMR experience the stimulus triggers cause specific physiological responses such as tingling sensations or decreased heart rate. The theory would suggest these changes impede on the emotional experience caused by ASMR. For example as shown in case study 2 Grant feels the feeling of relaxation and joy from the tapping video along with physiological changes of tingling and goosebumps. With ASMR the experience is based around stimulation of particular sensory systems the main source of physiological reaction starting to process of emotion.



Misophonia
relation to ASMR via study Misophonia is a psychological disorder that decreases the tolerance an individual has towards sound induced stimuli. This occurs when a specific pattern or underlying meaning behind a sound is present. In most cases causing a fight or flight response. For example, the repetitive sound of chewing can disturb people with misophonia, causing the person to have an angry outburst or remove themselves from the stimulating behaviour (figure 4). This disorder is a considered the opposite to ASMR as it is a negative response to auditory stimuli. Although McGeoch and Rouw, R. (2020) found that both abnormalities correlate to a shift in the sympathetic nervous system. Along with the supporting evidence from Lochte et al. (2018) stating both have an influence on the insula. Correlating to an implication to the functional connectivity between the anterior insula cortex (AIC) and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). With ASMR decreasing and misophonia increasing. With both fields having limited research, it is important to know that they are both influencing the same area as this brings research closer to understanding the physiology of the phenomenon. There are also the possibilities in extreme cases that ASMR can cause a misophonia episode. The reasoning being unknown but assumed to be associated with environmental influences and repetitive consumption.

Synesthesia
Synesthesia is a neurological condition that occurs when one sensory experience is stimulated then triggering another sensory experience. For example, being able to taste a sound or hear colours. The phenomenon is having been described as a tingling feeling throughout different areas of the body. Although this is a unique experience that may only occur a few times throughout a person’s lifespan. Poerio et al. (2022) found that 52% of people that experience synesthesia also experience ASMR. As well as 22% of people that experience ASMR experience synesthesia. This correlation supports the hypothesis of ASMR been influenced by synesthesia mechanisms. Yet requires more research to clarify findings.



Frisson
Frisson is the scientific term given to describe the physiological reaction of shivers or chills. This reaction occurs after a rewarding stimulus is presented. For example, the phrase “That song gave me the chills” is describing the feeling of frisson. The response often causes physical effects such as piloerection (goosebumps) (see figure 5), paraesthesia (tingling/shivers) or tearing at the eyes. As shown in case study 2 with the goosebumps on the arms. Frisson responses are usually triggered by emotionally arousing stimuli. Since ASMR can be triggered by a variety of stimuli, it is important to consider the relationship only occurs to individuals with high emotional personality traits. Blood and Zatorre (2001) discovered the brain regions associated with frisson to be the reward-based regions. This correlates to Lochte et al. (2018) research on the brain regions of ASMR. Although not a direct reference linking the two, an assumed association can be hypothesised. Overall ASMR and Frisson share the experience of a tingling sensation with a similar neural activity pattern.

Psychological effects of ASMR
This section looks at the theories involves with ASMR’s psychological effects. Most of which are interrelated or co-existent. Having various aspects of interplay that correlate to the cognitive function involved in ASMR.

Flow state theory
The Flow State Theory, developed from the field of positive psychology. Based around the immersive behaviour of an individual during a stimulating occurrence. Going into a state of heightened focus, enjoyment and distortion of time perception. The theory is associated with ASMR due to the feelings of euphoria and sensation tingling. A strong comparison to the flow state. Research by Barrett and Davis (2015) suggest ASMR’s creation of the flow like state is due to the repetitive nature of the stimulus that diverts all attention. Supported by further research by Fredborg et al. (2017) that concluded with acoustic aspects included in stimulus are more inclined to induce the state due to the replication of the conditions needed to enter the flow state.

Attentional control
Attentional control theory is a psychological framework developed by Eysenck and Calvo's (1992) suggesting attention allocation influences cognitive processes. Similar to flow state theory the immersive nature of ASMR promotes attention to be allocated on the ASMR stimulus presented. The flow state induced by ASMR (Barrett and Davis, 2015) is a variation of the attentional control, in the sense that an individual elects to divert their attention to the stimulus allowing heightened focus. With ASMR also having the influence of creating a relaxation state. The theory would suggest that a sensory environment is constructed, blocking out other potential stimuli. Attentional control has a role of shifting focus to the ASMR stimulus in this circumstance.

Mirror neuron
Mirror Neuron Theory proposes that a neuron fires when an individual preforms an action and observes an action. Therefore, mirroring the behaviour of the observed action. This playing a role in empathy, imitation and social bonding. ASMR experience can trigger empathetic responses especially in content using tactile or role play stimulus. Research by Fredborg et al. (2017) would propose that a connection is formed between the two because of the content. Causing a social connection through virtual companionship. With feelings such as comfort and intimacy supporting the influence on social connection. Demonstrating the empathetic aspects of ASMR with a source for social bonding.

Emotional regulation
Emotional regulation is a term used to define the ability to respond with socially tolerable and sufficient emotions to a given situation. The process is determined by the type of situation and the attention given to the experience. Followed by an appraisal of situational factors, with an overall outcome of a emotional response. In context to ASMR it is assumed that the increased flow-like mental state (Barratt and Davis, 2015) along with the increase in positive emotion and decreased heart rate (Poerio et al., 2018) results in increased emotional modulation. To further support the proposal, associative learning plays a role in emotional regulation. Due to ASMR’s repetitive and immerse aspect it allows the individual to subconsciously create a conditioned response to the stimuli. (For example, in relation to case study 2, Grant may experience piloerection to tapping noises after repeated exposure to the ASMR video’s he was watching.) Typically, the types of emotions regulated by ASMR are found on a spectrum that includes the following:

Overall, the impact of ASMR on emotional regulation is extensive but requires more research on the mechanisms involved to fully support the theory. Developing the understanding of ASMR’s positive influence on emotional well-being.

Uses of ASMR experiences
ASMR has a range of uses as the phenomenon is still new to the scientific world the understanding for a specific purpose is limited. Although a range of research has correlated the practice to a extensive list of positive attributions. Including the topics below.

Relaxation
ASMR’s major contribution to the human mind is the ability to supply it with the feeling of relaxation. With many experiences of ASMR being described as orgasmic. The release of dopamine giving individuals a flow mental state (Barratt and Davis, 2015). Allows for mindfulness practices to occur such as destress, distraction or focus (Sakurai et al., 2023) (Fredborg et al., 2017). Entering this state is ideal for people subject to high stress environments. Giving them the opportunity to reclaim their cognitive state or provide temporary relief. Study from Poerio et al. (2018) also found ASMR linking to activation of the parasympathetic nervous system. Promoting physiological behaviour of “rest and digest” referring to the reduction in cortisol levels within the body. Allowing the body to recover from any state above resting.



Neurological disorder support
For individuals with neurological disorders (figure 6) current research suggests potential benefits of ASMR to improve well-being and reduce negative symptoms. As the progress of ASMR research is in early stages it is only anecdotal evidence that supports claims of positive correlation of ASMR and neurological disorders. However, the suggested evidence insists that conditions of anxiety, insomnia and sensory processing issues have seen improvement when participants experience ASMR. The ability to induce a relaxation state from ASMR content correlates to improved sleep patterns on individuals which helps improve insomnia. Although the hypothesis is contradicted by studies on blue light screen effects on sleep (read more here). As technology with blue light screen is the most used method to consume ASMR content it could potentially be causing harm. ASMR has also correlated to improve neurological disorders that involve a low level of dopamine. As ASMR content provides dopamine rewards to viewers (Lochte et al., 2018) it provides a reuptake to neurodivergent individuals reducing symptoms such as depression. Along with increasing emotional regulation (Poerio et al., 2018) allowing for emotions to be less fluctuant. Finally, the attentional focus of ASMR (Barratt and Davis, 2015) provides more efficient sensory processing. Combined with associative learning principles ASMR correlates to improvement of sensory processing issues via repetitive immersive exposure. Overall, the minimal research of the topic allows anecdotal evidence to seem coherent with positive influence from ASMR on neurological disorders.

Recreation
The biggest use of ASMR is for it to be used for recreation. As it is very easily accessible through online domains, with millions of videos of various content. Many individuals seek the satisfaction and feeling of pleasure as a form of entertainment. Along with the social aspect of creating, sharing and discussing content. Allowing social bonds to form, providing emotional comfort.

Conclusion
As the topic of ASMR grows with interest across all aspects in society. The understanding is slowly developing to explain all there is to know about ASMR. So far it is known that ASMR is a physical and psychological phenomenon responding to stimulus. Unfortunately, the true reasoning for its occurrence is only anecdotal evidence believed to be associated with other phenomenon and theories of sensory stimulation to dopamine pathways. Along with psychological mechanism influencing attention, emotion and relaxation. This relationship between ASMR and emotion is assumed to be based on physiological responses supported by James-Lange’s theory of emotion. As well as emotional regulation modification. Finally providing a range of positive benefits to individuals, most importantly the influence on state of mind and neurological disorder coping mechanism. Overall, why ASMR occurs is substantially unknown, but emotions involved are of positive aspects such as relaxation, joy and satisfaction.

For future research on the topic, it would be interesting to find the physiological mechanisms involved in stimulating and identifying ASMR content. As well as how it progresses to occur on a subconscious scale. The topic is very new in terms of scientific study and has so much potential to spread positive influence on all aspects of human life.