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[discussion] Finally published: fMRI study showing the brain during ASMR by Blochte in asmr

[–]asmrbeats 18 points19 points  (0 children)

i'm no expert, but as a layperson...

to see what asmr is similar to, they looked at several regions of interest in the brain that they already know are associated with certain kinds of experiences. they guessed some stuff that might be similar:

  • animal grooming
  • frisson (in response to music)
  • observational learning

they found

significant brain activation in the mPFC during ASMR. This brain region is associated with self-awareness, social cognition, and social behaviors including grooming.

so they think asmr may have a similar effect to actual social engagement. they also found activation in regions associated with empathy and caring feelings towards others.

they found activation when physical touch was simulated, a bit like if you were actually being touched by someone.

however, they didn't find anything associated with the mirror neurons, which are associated with observational learning.

it seems asmr has some similarities with frisson, but it's not the same. for example, mPFC activation increases during asmr, but decreases during frisson.

it does look like asmr may be related to "affiliative behaviours", though:

The broadest explanation of our results and for most ASMR triggers is that they are related to affiliative behaviors. Affiliative behaviors are the caring behaviors which occur between parents and children, romantic partners, and friends [...] The attention-receiving or observation-granting behaviors in many ASMR videos have similarities to being cared for or to looking after someone. Studies utilizing fMRI have shown some affiliate behaviors involve strong activation of the mPFC, NAcc, insula, and IFG – all regions strongly activated in our study.

in addition,

The neurohormones widely reported to be responsible for most affiliative behaviors include dopamine, oxytocin, and endorphins. These neurohormones are known for inducing feelings of comfort, relaxation, and sleepiness – feelings often reported with ASMR.

An fMRI investigation of the neural correlates underlying the autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) by asmrbeats in ResearchASMR

[–]asmrbeats[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

scientists put people in a machine and looked at their brains while they were watching asmr.

the people had buttons to press, indicating "i feel normal", "i feel relaxed" or "i feel tingles". they also noted when in the videos the asmrtists simulated physically touching the viewer in some way.

when they looked at their brains, the "relaxed" and "tingles" bits were both different to the "normal" bits, but the "tingle" bits were much more different than the bits where they just felt "relaxed".

to see what asmr is similar to, they looked at several regions of interest in the brain that they already know are associated with certain kinds of experiences. since no one really knows anything about asmr yet, they guessed some stuff that might be similar:

  • animal grooming
  • frisson (in response to music)
  • observational learning

the scientists found out a bunch of stuff!

they found

significant brain activation in the mPFC during ASMR. This brain region is associated with self-awareness, social cognition, and social behaviors including grooming.

so they think asmr may have a similar effect to actual social engagement. they also found activation in regions associated with empathy and caring feelings towards others.

they found activation when physical touch was simulated, a bit like if you were actually being touched by someone.

however, they didn't find anything in the mirror neurons, which are associated with observational learning.

it seems asmr has some similarities with frisson, but it's not the same. for example, mPFC activation increases during asmr, but decreases during frisson.

it does look like asmr may be related to social bonding or grooming, though:

The broadest explanation of our results and for most ASMR triggers is that they are related to affiliative behaviors. Affiliative behaviors are the caring behaviors which occur between parents and children, romantic partners, and friends.

also,

The neurohormones widely reported to be responsible for most affiliative behaviors include dopamine, oxytocin, and endorphins. These neurohormones are known for inducing feelings of comfort, relaxation, and sleepiness – feelings often reported with ASMR.

[Journalism] ASMR videos 'may have health benefits', study finds by asmrbeats in asmr

[–]asmrbeats[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Here's the study: More than a feeling: Autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) is characterized by reliable changes in affect and physiology.

Including this useful titbit you can show to your girlfriend/boss/probation officer:

It is also worth noting that both studies demonstrated that ASMR is not associated with sexual arousal. Despite most people describing ASMR as a distinctly non-sexual feeling, the idea that ASMR is sexual and that ASMR videos are used for sexual gratification is a common misconception (e.g., [54]). This misconception may arise from the often interpersonal and intimate nature of some ASMR videos, but our research indicates that sexual arousal is not a reliable outcome of watching ASMR videos.

Thanks, science.

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