ASMR is a phenomenon that has been successful on social media for some time now, thanks to those who argue that it can improve stress levels. In a world full of constant noise and distractions, finding moments of relaxation and peace is like a gift to our senses.
Although there aren’t many scientific studies on ASMR, it’s true that people do experience a sense of emotional well-being in response to such stimuli, and the reaction varies from person to person. But we’ll explain how it can improve that well-being.
ASMR and the Positive Effects on Emotional Well-being
Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response, commonly known as ASMR, is a biological phenomenon in which pleasant tingling sensations are triggered through auditory or visual stimuli, starting from the top of the head and spreading throughout the body.
Thanks to this, we know that the purpose of ASMR is to induce relaxing benefits in viewers, which scientists indicate may not be accessible to everyone. However, for those who experience it, it generates a shiver that sends chills down their spine and ensures a sense of relaxation or euphoria, undoubtedly putting them in a better mood.
These sensations release an auditory therapy response as they generate a psychophysiological response to pleasant auditory or visual stimuli. Over the years, some research has suggested that individuals capable of experiencing ASMR may have elevated levels of neuroticism. However, the precise relationship between ASMR and personality traits is still not entirely clear.
Recently, a study has found new evidence linking higher levels of neuroticism and anxiety with the ability to experience a deeply relaxing Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response, as published in the journal PLOS ONE.
The analysis revealed that those who experienced ASMR had higher levels of neuroticism and trait anxiety, as well as higher levels of state anxiety before watching the video, which decreased after watching the video. Those who experienced ASMR reported a higher level of benefit.
It also suggests that ASMR could serve as an intervention for individuals with elevated levels of neuroticism and anxiety in general, although further research is needed to address the limitations of this study and improve its understanding.
