Caresses, whispers and affective faces: A theoretical framework for a multimodal interoceptive mechanism underlying ASMR and affective touch: An evolutionary and developmental perspective for understanding ASMR and affective touch as complementary processes within affiliative interactions.
Bioessays
; 45(12): e2300095, 2023 12.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-37800564
ABSTRACT
Autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) and affective touch (AT) are two phenomena that have been independently investigated from separate lines of research. In this article, I provide a unified theoretical framework for understanding and studying them as complementary processes. I highlight their shared biological basis and positive effects on emotional and psychophysiological regulation. Drawing from evolutionary and developmental theories, I propose that ASMR results from the development of biological mechanisms associated with early affiliative behaviour and self-regulation, similar to AT. I also propose a multimodal interoceptive mechanism underlying both phenomena, suggesting that different sensory systems could specifically respond to affective stimulation (caresses, whispers and affective faces), where the integration of those inputs occurs in the brain's interoceptive hubs, allowing physiological regulation. The implications of this proposal are discussed with a view to future research that jointly examines ASMR and AT, and their potential impact on improving emotional well-being and mental health.
Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Tato
/
Meridianos
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Bioessays
Assunto da revista:
BIOLOGIA
/
BIOLOGIA MOLECULAR
Ano de publicação:
2023
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Chile