Increased absorption in autonomous sensory meridian response.

Background: Autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) is a cross-sensory phenomenon characterised by a static-like sensation which typically originates on the scalp and spreads throughout the body leading to a state of deep relaxation. It can be triggered by visual and auditory stimuli in real life, incidentally by various media and via intentionally created ASMR videos. Previously ASMR has been linked to a specific personality profile and this study aimed to further elucidate individual differences associated with this phenomenon.

Methods: To this effect ASMR-Experiencers and age and gender matched controls were compared on measures of flow, absorption and mindfulness.

Results: This revealed that ASMR was associated with elevated absorption but no group differences were found with respect to the other constructs, suggesting that the ability to get deeply immersed with the current experience accompanied by loss of reflective awareness may be an important factor contributing to the experience of ASMR.

©2020 Janik McErlean and Osborne-Ford.

KEYWORDS: ASMR; Absorption; Autonomous sensory meridian response; Flow; Mindfulness; Personality

PMID: 32110492 PMCID: PMC7032055 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.8588