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Heightened sensory sensitivity predicts the presence and intensity of Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR)
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Description: Study abstract: ASMR is a complex positive emotional state experienced by some people in response to triggers including auditory, visual, interpersonal and tactile stimuli. Despite immense public popularity, we still know very little about the underpinnings of this intensely pleasurable, but non-universal, emotion. We proposed that the ability to experience ASMR and its resulting intensity might be underlined by heightened sensory sensitivity, broadly defined subjective responses to both exteroceptive and interoceptive cues. In a pre-registered online study (N = 557), we examined whether a range of sensory sensitivity measures (1) differentiated ASMR from non-ASMR responders and (2) predicted ASMR intensity. Results showed that people with (stronger) ASMR had greater interoceptive sensitivity (MAIA2) and bodily awareness (BPQ-BA) and were more likely to be classified as highly sensitive (HSPS). Results, which suggest potential benefits of heightened sensory sensitivity for wellbeing, are discussed in relation to environmental sensitivity, interoception, and emotional appraisal processes. This paper has been published in Journal of Research in Personality (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrp.2021.104183) The costs for the research assistant (SM) were funded by the Faculty of Health, Psychology & Social Care Undergraduate Research & Knowledge Exchange Internship Scheme (URKEIS) at Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU), Summer 2019.
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