Research Priorities for Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response: An Interdisciplinary Delphi Study.
Thomas J. Hostler, Giulia L. Poerio, Clau Nader, Safiyya Mank, Andrew C. Lin, Mario Villena-González, Lemera Asmr, Sharon Shares Asmr, Yoloma Asmr, Moongem Asmr, Nate Plutzik, Nitin K. Ahuja, Daniel H. Baker, Scott Bannister, Emma L. Barratt, Stacey A. Bedwell, Pierre-Edouard Billot, Emma Blakey, Flavia Cardini, Daniella K. Cash, Nick J. Davis, Bleiz M. Del Sette, Mercede Erfanian, Josephine R. Flockton, Beverley Fredborg, Helge Gillmeister, Emma Gray, Sarah M. Haigh, Laura L. Heisick, Agnieszka Janik McErlean, Helle Breth Klausen, Hirohito M. Kondo, Franzisca Maas, L. Taylor Maurand, Lawrie S. McKay, Marco Mozzoni, Gabriele Navyte, Jessica A. Ortega-Balderas, Emma C. Palmer-Cooper, Craig A.H. Richard, Natalie Roberts, Vincenzo Romei, Félix Schoeller, Steven D. Shaw, Julia Simner, Stephen D. Smith, Eva Specker, Angelica Succi, Niilo V. Valtakari, Jennie Weinheimer, Jasper Zehetgrube
Multisensory research November 28, 2024 DOI: 10.1163/22134808-bja10136 via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA modified Delphi study with 98 ASMR experts, practitioners, community members, and researchers generated 451 suggestions for research priorities, condensed into 13 key areas, including definition and measurement, neurophysiology, triggers, individual and cultural differences, therapeutic applications, and community culture. These were voted on by 70% of the initial participants using best/worst scaling. The resulting agenda maps important questions for the field and aims to inspire interdisciplinary collaborations.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Modified Delphi study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 98 |
| Population | ASMR experts, practitioners, community members, and researchers |
| Citations | 3 |
| Key finding | Thirteen key areas of research priority for ASMR were identified through expert consensus, providing a structured agenda for future interdisciplinary work. |
Abstract
Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) is a multisensory experience most often associated with feelings of relaxation and altered consciousness, elicited by stimuli which include whispering, repetitive movements, and close personal attention. Since 2015, ASMR research has grown rapidly, spanning disciplines from neuroscience to media studies but lacking a collaborative or interdisciplinary approach. To build a cohesive and connected structure for ASMR research moving forwards, a modified Delphi study was conducted with ASMR experts, practitioners, community members, and researchers from various disciplines. Ninety-eight participants provided 451 suggestions for ASMR research priorities which were condensed into 13 key areas: (1) Definition, conceptual clarification, and measurement of ASMR; (2) Origins and development of ASMR; (3) Neurophysiology of ASMR; (4) Understanding ASMR triggers; (5) Factors affecting the likelihood of experiencing/eliciting ASMR; (6) ASMR and individual/cultural differences; (7) ASMR and the senses; (8) ASMR and social intimacy; (9) Positive and negative consequences of ASMR in the general population; (10) Therapeutic applications of ASMR in clinical contexts; (11) Effects of long-term ASMR use; (12) ASMR platforms and technology; (13) ASMR community, culture, and practice. These were voted on by 70% of the initial participant pool using best/worst scaling methods. The resulting agenda provides a clear map for ASMR research to enable new and existing researchers to orient themselves towards important questions for the field and to inspire interdisciplinary collaborations.