Does ASMR propensity reflect a mentally flexible mindset? Exploring the relationship between ASMR propensity, transliminality, emotional contagion, schizotypal traits, roleplaying ability, and creativity.
Kayley L Zielinski-Nicolson, Natalie Roberts, Simon Boag
Consciousness and Cognition August 1, 2023 DOI: 10.1016/j.concog.2023.103546 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Cross-sectional survey Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 376 |
| Population | Undergraduate students |
| Topics | Altered states of consciousness |
| Keywords | Cognitive mechanisms Cognitive styles Imagination |
| Key findings | Transliminality, emotional contagion susceptibility, positive schizotypal traits, and roleplaying ability significantly positively predicted ASMR propensity, while an overall mentally flexible cognitive style did not. |
Abstract
Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) is an alternative state of consciousness characterised by changes in affect, feelings of relaxation, and tingling sensations on the body. Online videos designed to stimulate ASMR in viewers have become increasingly popular. Although there is evidence that ASMR may improve sleep, emotion regulation, and relaxation, the current understanding of ASMR propensity remains limited. This study examined whether a mentally flexible cognitive style may underlie the ability to experience ASMR. Undergraduate students (N = 376) completed an online survey involving a series of self-report questionnaires and two performance-based creative ability tasks. Findings did not provide support for an overall mentally flexible mindset, however, transliminality, emotional contagion susceptibility, positive schizotypal traits, and roleplaying ability all significantly positively predicted ASMR propensity. These findings suggest that ASMR propensity represents several possible underlying cognitive styles relating to enhanced imagination and perceptual ability, and cannot be simply characterised by mental flexibility.