Influence of Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response on Relaxation States: An Experimental Study

Abstract

Multiple studies have stated that autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) induces relaxation. ASMR is defined as a static tingling-like sensation across the scalp and back of the head, experienced by some people in response to specific audio and visual triggers like tapping, whispering, and slow hand movements. This study explores the relaxation states and the stress states on which ASMR videos have the highest impact. Data from 60 college students with a mean age of 22 years and a standard deviation of 1.12 were collected for this study, among which 30 were assigned to an experimental group and 30 were assigned to a control group single blindly. The relaxation states and stress states were measured using Smith Relaxation Scale Inventory (SRSI) for the pretest and Smith Relaxation Posttest Inventory (SRPI) for the posttest. The experimental group watched an ASMR video, and the control group watched a neutral video between the pretest and posttest. SPSS version 16 was used for data analysis. The result suggested a significant increase in sleepiness after watching the ASMR video (significant difference).

Autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR): A PRISMA-guided systematic review.

“…L. Poerio et al, 2018; in ASMR-responders), and decreased state anxiety (Eid et al, 2022; in ASMR-responders). In contrast, Yusaira and Bennett (2021) report on ASMR being associated with a decrease of positive feelings like joy or love and with more sleepiness. Importantly, in this study, no distinction between ASMR-responders and nonresponders could be made.…”

“…For example, ASMR is associated with improved mood scores (Smejka & Wiggs, 2022;in ASMR-responders), increased pleasant affect (G. L. Poerio et al, 2018;in ASMR-responders), and decreased state anxiety (Eid et al, 2022;in ASMRresponders). In contrast, Yusaira and Bennett (2021) report on ASMR being associated with a decrease of positive feelings like joy or love and with more sleepiness. Importantly, in this study, no distinction between ASMR-responders and LOHAUS, SCHRECKENBERG, BELLINGRATH, AND THOMA nonresponders could be made.…”

“…L. Poerio et al, 2018; Smejka & Wiggs, 2022). If, on the other hand, no distinction is made between ASMR-responders and ASMR-nonresponders or only ASMR-nonresponders are included, two out of three studies (Sakurai et al, 2021; Yusaira & Bennett, 2021) show no positive short-term effects of ASMR on mental health-associated outcomes.…”

“…First, it has to be pointed out that blinding approaches have hardly been described in the reviewed studies. Only in two studies, a single-blind procedure was implemented (Maniago et al, 2021; Yusaira & Bennett, 2021), and in one study, a double-blind approach was followed (Idayati et al, 2021). It is also not apparent from any of the articles uncovered in this systematic review that subjects were initially blinded to the study or study condition and then unblinded as they progressed.…”

The EEG Oscillations and Psychology Propensities of Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response

“…ASMR is suggested to significantly Zhongliang Yu and Zhizhong Wang are with College of Integrated Circuits and Optoelectronic Chips, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518118, China. increase the sleepiness [5] and sleep quality [6], and to decrease the state anxiety and attentional bias to a certain extent [7]. Therefore, many people watch ASMR videos or audios for relaxing, reducing stress and depression, restraining chronic pain, and promoting sleep [8,9].…”