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Stress and disgust: what if ASMR has the opposite effect?
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ASMR, or Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response, has quickly gained popularity due to its calming effects on many listeners. It is said to induce a soothing, tingling sensation that starts on the scalp and continues to the back of the neck and spine. Countless people swear by the relaxation it brings. Yet there is also a part of the population that experiences strong negative feelings about ASMR.
Also read: Relaxation through sounds or images: what is ASMR?
Aversion or relaxation to sounds
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Misophonia is a little-understood condition that causes you to have an extreme aversion to certain sounds. At the other end of the spectrum is ASMR, where sound can induce an almost euphoric feeling of relaxation.
Although there hasn’t been much scientific research on misophonia or ASMR, a recent study of more than 300 people with misophonia found that half of them also experienced ASMR. This may suggest that some people are more sensitive to noise, both positively and negatively.
Also read: Misophonia: when everyday sounds make you angry…
Same triggers
Both misophonia and ASMR involve triggers, something that sets off the brain’s response. In this case, the triggers are mainly auditory. For people suffering from misophonia, the triggering sounds of someone chewing, drinking and even breathing can trigger a range of intense emotions. It starts as mild irritation, which can quickly escalate to feelings of anxiety, panic and, in extreme cases, even severe anger. So everyday activities such as someone chewing gum, tapping their fingers, or rustling papers can become a source of immense frustration for these individuals.
The world of ASMR is all about these sounds. ASMR is intended to calm and relax using triggers such as soft whispers, tapping or the rustle of paper. These sounds cause a pleasant tingling sensation in the head, neck and spine, and sometimes into the limbs. A competitive contract with people who suffer from misophonia.
Also read: Misophonia test
Other brain connections
What is behind these widely differing reactions? Scientists sought to understand the underlying causes of misophonia in 2017 by uncovering its neurological roots. Their research indicates that misophonia is more than a quirk or an annoyance. It has a clear brain origin.
They found that people with misophonia have different neural connectivity, especially in the anterior insular cortex, an area linked to emotions. This suggests that when people with misophonia hear their trigger sounds, it directly activates the emotional centers of their brains, leading to the intense responses they experience. Thus, while ASMR can be a source of comfort for many, it can cause intense negative emotional reactions in others.
Also read: Misokinesia: when you feel frustration when others fidget
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Last updated: November 2023
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2023-11-01 23:02:46
#Stress #disgust #ASMR #effect #health.be
