ASMR Core Mechanism
Grapheme-Color Synesthesia
Main Elicitors for ASMR
Reduced DMN Functional Connectivity
Reduced Thalamic Functional Connectivity
An experience where graphemes (letters/numbers) automatically elicit a specific color experience
Watching individuals interact with objects, hearing repetitive sounds, or viewing intimate social acts
Supports ASMR inhibition theory; suggests the network is less effective at filtering out sensory stimuli
Arises from a reduced ability to inhibit emotional and sensory stimuli and experiences
Suggests a diminished ability to filter which sensory information actually reaches cortical processing