Beyond tingles: An exploratory qualitative study of the Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR)

Abstract

This qualitative exploratory study investigated the embodied experiences and the meanings of Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) from the viewer’s perspective. ASMR research has been sparse and largely quantitative, assuming it to be a predominantly fixed physiological response of “tingles”, despite the acronym being rooted in pseudoscience. A qualitative research design was adopted to facilitate the exploratory nature of the study in this under-researched area. In contrast to the mostly survey-based research on ASMR, this study employed semi-structured interviews as a means to understand the lived experience of ASMR and to promote participant agency. Six self-identifying ASMR consumers were recruited using a mixture of snowball and opportunity sampling. Semi-structured interviews were conducted both in person and using Skype to facilitate transnational data collection. Interview transcripts were analysed using an inductive, data-driven approach to thematic analysis. The analysis suggests that ASMR is felt to provide a social environment of comfort rather than a solely physiological-based experience. Three key themes emerged: who and what defines ASMR? (reflecting the variety of what was classed as ASMR and what content was consumed to produce the response); “real” intimacy tailored to me (reflecting the idiosyncratic perception of intimacy made possible through ASMR); and emotional relief on my terms (reflecting the role of ASMR in self-soothing). The present data reflect a rich, complex experience of the ASMR consumer, pointing to potential wider applications and informing further research.

Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) and the Functions of Consciousness

“…Thus, the empirical evidence seems to be converging on the idea that ASMR is characterized by the lack of inhibition of in some sense "automatically" occurring sensory-emotional responses. Trenholm-Jensen et al (2022) even go so far as to suggest that "the ASMR experience may be an intensified version of an existing human response rather than a new phenomenon altogether." This is interesting because it suggests that the ASMR experience is the "typical" or "default" response, and it is only the capacity for sensory-emotional inhibition that distinguishes individuals who are experiencing ASMR and those who are not.…”

“…Some researchers have attempted to describe the nature of the requisite triggering social information in more detail, suggesting, for example, that it is the perception of a kind of “distant intimacy,” which acts as a proxy for much desired “real” intimacy, that characterizes ASMR (Trenholm‐Jensen et al., 2022). Others have suggested that ASMR triggers reflect “affiliative behaviors,” which occur among significant social relationships that are structured around care (Lochte et al., 2018).…”

“…Trenholm‐Jensen et al. (2022) even go so far as to suggest that “the ASMR experience may be an intensified version of an existing human response rather than a new phenomenon altogether.” This is interesting because it suggests that the ASMR experience is the “typical” or “default” response, and it is only the capacity for sensory‐emotional inhibition that distinguishes individuals who are experiencing ASMR and those who are not. Although more research is needed to confirm such speculations, the implication is that something like a fleeting “proto‐ASMR” experience might be common to all individuals, while ASMR‐proper only emerges in individuals who can sustain a lack of inhibition of the emotional episode.…”

“…It was collectively identified (perhaps as recently as 2008) primarily in online discussion boards, and is estimated to occur in approximately 20% of the general population 1 (Poerio, Ueda, & Kondo, 2022). "ASMR" is a pseudoscientific moniker, although it has been argued that the acronym serves the important role of anchoring the creation and maintenance of a community centered around the phenomenon (Trenholm-Jensen, Burns, Trenholm, & Hand, 2022). Since its collective identification, the number of online ASMR content creators and consumers has indeed continued to grow, which has helped to stabilize its presence in the folk psychological landscape.…”

Exploring the technological dimension of Autonomous sensory meridian response-induced physiological responses

“…In 2007, the sensory phenomenon known as Autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) was first acknowledged during discussions on an online health forum, marking its initial recognition ( Trenholm-Jensen et al., 2022 ). ASMR, identified as a sensory-emotional phenomenon ( Del Campo & Kehle, 2016 ), is purported to induce calming and gratifying sensations in the scalp, neck, and occasionally in the back and spine in response to stimuli such as auditory cues ( e.g.…”