Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) is a phenomenon characterized by a deep feeling of relaxation and/or a static tingling sensation in the head and neck, in response to auditory or visual stimuli. These stimuli (colloquially called ASMR “triggers”) include, but are not limited to, soft-spoken or whispered voice, hair brushing, tapping or scratching on objects, hand movements, eye contact, and positive affirmations. In the early 2000s, the ASMR phenomenon was first recognized by a Facebook group who initially referred to themselves as the “Whisper Community,” and in 2010, user Jennifer Allen coined the acronym “ASMR” to describe the experience. Now, the ASMR SubReddit has over 200,000 followers, and the most popular ASMR videos on YouTube garner millions of views on channels that have upwards of 2-3 million subscribers. Those who watch ASMR videos (i.e. the “ASMR Community”) utilize them for anecdotal positive effects on sleep, mood, mental health symptoms, social connection, study habits, and self-esteem.
This capstone project will examine ASMR awareness, beliefs, knowledge, and use among our target population of NU students (undergraduate and graduate). The first part of the project will consist of a literature review of the peer-reviewed evidence that may or may not support the effects of ASMR on mental health. While currently, the research on ASMR is limited, there is some evidence of its effectiveness, whereas other studies have demonstrated a placebo effect. Part two will consist of a descriptive research survey of NU students to investigate what mental health tools they use (e.g. mindfulness, exercise, meditation). Then, we will ask about the relative awareness of the ASMR phenomenon, as well as discovering who uses ASMR, and how and why they use it. The final deliverable will be a research paper describing the results of the study.
My role involves meeting with my mentor team weekly, to follow up on my action items each week. This is a self-directed research project (4 credit course), and my mentors give feedback and evaluate my work.
Loading...
Reload document 
Open in new tab