I’ve updated my “Origin Theory of ASMR” to version 2.0.

It now provides much more specific answers to these questions:

• What is the exact physiological process that mediates ASMR?
• Which molecule is mostly responsible for the tingles?
• Which molecule is mostly responsible for stimulating someone to watch an ASMR video for 30 minutes?
• Which molecules are responsible for the relaxation feeling?
• Which molecule is mostly responsible for improving mood?
• Which molecules are contributing to helping someone fall asleep?
• Is ASMR a sexual response?
• Why is ASMR stimulated by strange sounds like tappings and crinkles?
• Why can some individuals experience ASMR without any triggers?
• Why do some individuals become immune to some ASMR triggers?
• Why doesn’t everyone experience ASMR?
• Why are there so many different ASMR triggers?

Here is a short summary of the Origin Theory of ASMR 2.0

Triggers that stimulate ASMR in individuals may actually be activating the biological pathways of inter-personal bonding.  Examples of inter-personal bonding include parent and infant bonding, family member bonding, friendship bonding, and romantic partner bonding.

ASMR and bonding behaviors share similar triggers like gentle touches and soft voices between individuals that trust each other, and also have similar responses like feeling comforted, feeling relaxed, and feeling secure.

Some of the basic biology of bonding is well established and this involves specific behaviors which stimulate the release of endorphins, dopamine, oxytocin, and serotonin.  These bonding behaviors and molecules may provide a good explanation for most of the triggers and responses associated with ASMR.

For much more detail about this theory, scroll up and click “What causes ASMR?” or click HERE to jump to the page.

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This post brought to you by the ASMR University.  A site with the mission of increasing the awareness, understanding, and research of the Art and Science of Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response.