We will begin with the ASMR projects that have already been successfully conducted:
1) Creation of a systematic scientific review on ASMR
A central project aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of research on ASMR. To this end, we conducted a systematic search across several literature databases, ultimately summarizing and integrating the results in a review article. The conclusion of this systematic review is that ASMR has already been associated with various mental health variables (e.g., improved mood) and personality traits (e.g., neuroticism). EEG and fMRI studies have also revealed interesting initial findings (e.g., reduction in delta waves, activation of certain brain areas such as the anterior cingulate cortex during ASMR experiences). Moreover, ASMR has been linked to physiological changes, such as a decrease in heart rate. However, long-term intervention studies demonstrating that ASMR can be associated with sustained improvements in mental health are still lacking.
2) Investigation of the effects of ASMR videos on mental health variables (mood and relaxation) compared to other YouTube videos (walking-tour videos)
In a study, primarily involving students from Ruhr University Bochum, we aimed to investigate whether ASMR videos are more strongly associated with positive mood, relaxation, and ASMR experiences than comparable videos (so-called walking-tour videos, i.e., videos in which people film their walk through a particular area, “taking” viewers to a distant location). The study showed that individuals who watched ASMR videos and experienced ASMR benefited the most. These individuals (“ASMR responders”) reported higher relaxation and positive affect compared to people who watched walking-tour videos. Conversely, individuals who did not experience ASMR (“ASMR non-responders”) showed lower levels of relaxation and positive affect compared to those watching walking-tour videos. Future scientific evaluations of ASMR should therefore carefully distinguish between ASMR responders and non-responders when examining the effects of ASMR on mental health.
3) Investigation of the personality of ASMR YouTubers and its influence on ASMR experiences
In a conducted study, the focus of ASMR research was shifted for the first time from consumers to the ASMR video creators themselves. Both the personality of ASMR YouTubers and their contribution to inducing ASMR in viewers were examined. In an online design, participants rated ASMR videos by different YouTubers—who interacted with identical stimuli—regarding the ASMR experienced and the perceived personality of the creators. The results showed that the number of subscribers did not influence ASMR induction, whereas perceived traits such as likability, calmness, closeness, empathy, and agreeableness were positively associated with ASMR intensity. Furthermore, ASMR YouTubers differed in certain personality traits, particularly openness and empathy, compared to other YouTubers and a student comparison group. These findings highlight the importance of creator-related factors in ASMR experiences.
4) Development and validation of an ASMR questionnaire (ASMR-Sens)
Another project involved developing and validating a new, economical questionnaire to measure the core ASMR phenomenon. The goal was to reliably and specifically capture the typical ASMR experience as a tingling sensory sensation, as existing instruments were either too extensive or insufficiently captured the core experience. Based on an experimental study using various types of videos, a 10-item questionnaire (ASMR-Sens) was derived from a comprehensive item pool. It showed a unidimensional structure, very high internal consistency, and strong evidence of criterion, convergent, and discriminant validity, making it a valid tool for future ASMR research.
Next, we would like to present planned ASMR projects for the future:
1) Conducting a comprehensive ASMR intervention study
A prospective plan is to implement a large-scale randomized controlled trial (RCT) on ASMR, in which a multi-week ASMR video intervention is compared to one or more control interventions. Only through such research can clearer conclusions be drawn about whether ASMR has a positive long-term impact on mental health.
2) Investigation of additional physiological correlates of ASMR
In addition to psychological effects, there is initial evidence that ASMR is associated with physiological changes, such as reduced heart rate. However, existing evidence is limited and focuses on only a few parameters. Particularly relevant is the investigation of the stress hormone cortisol, as ASMR is often experienced as stress-reducing, but no systematic studies have yet addressed this. Measuring cortisol could make an important contribution to understanding the physiological mechanisms underlying ASMR.
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