The Physiological Effects of ASMR on Anxiety

Sahar  Seifzadeh; Vahid  Asayesh; Majid Torabi  Nikjeh; Mahdi  Dehghani; Elham Rabbani  Parsa; Fatemeh  Asgharianasl

doi:10.18502/fbt.v10i4.13728

Sahar Seifzadeh Gdańsk University of Technology, Faculty of Electronics, Telecommunications and Informatics, Multimedia Systems Department, BioTechMed Center, Gdańsk, Poland
Vahid Asayesh Asayesh Psychiatric Clinic, Tabriz, Iran
Majid Torabi Nikjeh Asayesh Psychiatric Clinic, Tabriz, Iran
Mahdi Dehghani Asayesh Psychiatric Clinic, Tabriz, Iran
Elham Rabbani Parsa Department of Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran
Fatemeh Asgharianasl Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/fbt.v10i4.13728

Keywords: Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response; Heart Rate; Skin Conductance; Anxiety-Based Disorders; Primary Insomnia; Anti-Anxiety Methods.

Abstract

Purpose: Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response is a novel phenomenon that is very popular these days on Youtube and Reddit to its anti-anxiety effects. As the name suggests, ASMR is a relaxing warm sensation that begins on the scalp and spreads throughout the body. This technique is also known as "brain massage," and it relies on soothing sights and sounds, like whispers and slow movements. Investigating these videos is primarily motivated by the desire to determine their scientific origins, which can be derived from a variety of approaches.

Materials and Methods: In this paper, we intended to examine the physiological changes such as Heart Rate (HR) as well as Galvanic Skin Conductance (GSC) levels before and after watching a single session ASMR video.

Results: The dependent t-test statistical analysis by SPSS results with P-value <=0.01 indicated that after a single session of ASMR watching, the heart rate decreased significantly comparing the baseline data. In addition, the skin conductance was slightly reduced as well, but not significantly.

Conclusion: These physiological findings prove that ASMR could be an affordable, portable, and immediate anxiety relief for those struggling with anxiety-based disorders, especially for patients who do not respond well to medication or seek alternatives to anti-anxiety medications due to the wide range of side effects or would like to try it for better results along with the prescribed drugs.