“No pain, no gain”: the impact of autonomous sensory meridian response on pain perception

Janik McErlean, A.B, Ellis, L and Walsh, J (2022) '“No pain, no gain”: the impact of autonomous sensory meridian response on pain perception.' Perception, 51 (8). pp. 565-577. ISSN 0301-0066

[img]
Preview
Text
14888.pdf - Accepted Version
Repository Terms Apply.

Download (434kB) | Preview
Official URL: https://doi.org/10.1177/03010066221108273

Abstract

Autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) is a phenomenon characterised by a static-like tingling sensation spreading from the scalp and neck to the periphery in response to a variety of audio, visual, and tactile triggers resulting in a highly relaxed state and boosted positive affect. The limited literature on this phenomenon points to a potential of ASMR to alleviate pain. Emerging evidence also suggests that ASMR may be linked to increased sensory sensitivity more broadly. This study aimed to objectively address these claims by administering an algometer (measure of pain tolerance), and a visual analog scale (VAS) (measure of subjective pain sensitivity) to ASMR experiencers and controls at baseline, following an ASMR video, and a control video. Findings indicate that ASMR experiencers have a higher pain sensitivity than controls; however, there was no difference between the two groups in terms of pain tolerance. In addition, any potential analgesic properties associated with experiencing ASMR may reflect protective properties of ASMR buffering against the increased pain sensitivity among ASMR experiencers relative to controls.

Item Type: Article
Keywords: ASMR, autonomous sensory meridian response, pain, pain sensitivity, pain tolerance
Divisions: School of Sciences
Identification Number: https://doi.org/10.1177/03010066221108273
Date Deposited: 27 Jul 2022 12:19
Last Modified: 22 Aug 2022 14:12
URI / Page ID: https://researchspace.bathspa.ac.uk/id/eprint/14888
Request a change to this item or report an issue Request a change to this item or report an issue
Update item (repository staff only) Update item (repository staff only)