The modulatory effects of autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) on pain.

Introduction: Autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) is a cross-sensory phenomenon experienced by an estimated 20% of the population and characterised by a calming, pleasurable tingling sensation triggered by audio-visual or tactile stimuli. Prior work suggests that ASMR experiencers show heightened pain sensitivity but similar pain tolerance to nonexperiencers, and emerging evidence points to possible analgesic effects. Objectives: This study sought to replicate and extend these findings using a larger sample, pain threshold as an index of pain perception, and sex as a variable. Methods: Male and female ASMR experiencers (N = 20) and controls (N = 20) completed algometer testing at baseline, during an ASMR-inducing video, and during a control video. Pain thresholds and visual analogue pain ratings were collected, and participants reported whether they experienced ASMR tingling in each condition. Results: ASMR experiencers reported higher pain ratings than controls ( Conclusion: These findings indicate that ASMR may modulate pain perception and that sex differences influence pain-related responses. They highlight ASMR's potential as an analgesic mechanism and underscore the importance of incorporating sex as a factor in future ASMR pain research.