Anxiety and neuroticism linked to ability to experience ASMR
New analysis suggests the relaxing phenomenon reduces anxiety in those
who experience it

Date:
February 2, 2022
Source:
PLOS
Summary:
A study has uncovered new evidence linking higher levels of
neuroticism and anxiety with the ability to experience a deeply
relaxing sensation known as the Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response
(ASMR).



FULL STORY ==========================================================================
A study has uncovered new evidence linking higher levels of neuroticism
and anxiety with the ability to experience a deeply relaxing sensation
known as the Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR). Charlotte Eid
and colleagues at Northumbria University, U.K., present these findings
in the open-access journal PLOS ONE on February 2, 2022.


========================================================================== During ASMR, a person experiences a tingling sensation beginning in
the head and neck that may spread throughout the body. Not everyone
experiences ASMR, and those who do have different triggers for it;
for instance, receiving a massage or listening to quiet sounds, such
as whispering. Recent years have seen the creation of numerous online
videos featuring sounds and situations that may trigger ASMR, and many
viewers report relaxing benefits.

Previous research has suggested that people capable of experiencing
ASMR may have elevated levels of neuroticism. However, the precise link
between ASMR and personality traits has been unclear.

To help clarify, Eid and colleagues asked 36 volunteers who experience
ASMR and 28 non-experiencers to watch a video meant to trigger ASMR. The participants completed several questionnaires to evaluate their
neuroticism, general tendency to experience anxiety ("trait anxiety"),
and moment-to-moment anxiety ("state anxiety") before and after watching
the video.

Statistical analysis of the participants' responses found that ASMR experiencers had higher levels of neuroticism and trait anxiety, as
well as higher levels of state anxiety before watching the video --
however, this type of anxiety was reduced after the video, and ASMR experiencers reported a greater level of benefit from the video. In
contrast, non-experiencers did not undergo a reduction in state anxiety
after the video.

Further analysis suggested that the differences in neuroticism and anxiety between ASMR experiencers and non-experiencers statistically accounted
for the observed difference in the pre- and post-video change in anxiety, highlighting the potential importance of these personality traits.

Overall, these findings suggest that ASMR experiencers may be
characterized by greater levels of neuroticism as well as anxiety
disorders than non- experiencers. They also suggest that ASMR could serve
as an intervention for individuals with elevated levels of neuroticism
and/or anxiety in general.

However, the authors note, further research is needed to address the limitations of this study and enhance understanding.

The authors add: "Our study found that watching an ASMR video reduced
anxiety in those who experience ASMR tingles even when previously not
familiar with the phenomenon. Personality characteristics which are
linked with high anxiety were also associated with these benefits,
therefore ASMR may be a suitable psychological intervention for
anxious individuals in general." special promotion Get a free
digital "Metabolism Myths" issue of New Scientist and discover the 7
things we always get wrong about diet and exercise. Claim_yours_now_>>> ========================================================================== Story Source: Materials provided by PLOS. Note: Content may be edited
for style and length.


========================================================================== Journal Reference:
1. Charlotte M. Eid, Colin Hamilton, Joanna M. H. Greer. Untangling the
tingle: Investigating the association between the Autonomous
Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR), neuroticism, and trait
& state anxiety. PLOS ONE, 2022; 17 (2): e0262668 DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0262668 ==========================================================================

Link to news story: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/02/220202143056.htm

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