Have you ever experienced a shiver of pleasure, a tingle on your skin, or goosebumps erupting while listening to music, watching a film, or observing a piece of art? This sensation, known as frisson (pronounced free-sawn), is a fascinating psychophysiological response that combines both physical and emotional elements. The word frisson itself is French for “shiver,” and it perfectly captures the essence of this unique experience.
sidenote: **A sudden feeling of excitement or fear, especially when you think that something is about to happen**: frisson of As the music stopped, a frisson of excitement ran through the crowd. Synonyms. chill. thrill.is often described as a sudden rush or wave of emotion. It’s not just about feeling good; it’s a more intense experience involving a range of physical sensations. The most common manifestation is a tingling or chilling sensation on the skin, particularly on the lower back, shoulders, neck and arms, sometimes described as ‘shivers up the spine’. This can be accompanied by piloerection (goosebumps) and mydriasis (pupil dilation). While these physical responses don’t always happen, the pleasurable emotional response is a key component of frisson.
Triggers for Frisson
While music is a common trigger, frisson can be evoked by a variety of stimuli including films, stories, people, photos, rituals, poetry, nature, art, and eloquent speeches. Violations of musical expectancy are often associated with frisson. This could be unexpected harmonies, sudden changes in volume, or the moving entrance of a soloist. It’s the deviation from what we anticipate that can create an emotional charge. Even dance performances, combining both visual and auditory senses, can induce frisson.
Beyond just the music itself, the environment and social context can also amplify the experience. For example, a movie soundtrack in a cinema with a compelling story can create deeper feelings of frisson. Furthermore, cultural background and familiarity with musical traditions play a role, as deviations from expected norms are more likely to induce frisson in those who are familiar with those norms.
The Science Behind the Sensation
The psychological and physiological components of frisson are complex. The pleasurable feeling is mediated by the reward system, while the physical responses are mediated by the sympathetic nervous system. Studies have shown increased electrodermal activity (skin conductance) during frisson, indicating activation of the sympathetic nervous system. Neuroimaging studies reveal that the intensity of tingling correlates with brain activity in areas associated with pleasure, such as the nucleus accumbens, orbitofrontal cortex, and insular cortex. Some studies also suggest that frisson might be linked to the release of endogenous opioid peptides, similar to other pleasurable experiences.
It appears that our evolutionary history might play a part too. Goosebumps may be an evolutionary holdover from our ancestors, with the physiological response having been rewired to produce aesthetic chills in response to emotionally moving stimuli.
Who Experiences Frisson?
Interestingly, not everyone experiences frisson. It is estimated that between 55% and 86% of the population experiences it, with some research suggesting that it might be less than 10%. Research has revealed that personality traits can play a role. Specifically, people who score high on “Openness to Experience” are more likely to experience frisson. This personality trait is associated with having active imaginations, appreciating beauty and nature, seeking new experiences, and reflecting on feelings. It is thought that people who intellectually immerse themselves in music, by making mental predictions and engaging in musical imagery are more likely to experience frisson.
In conclusion, frisson is a complex and fascinating phenomenon that combines physical sensations with emotional responses. It is triggered by a variety of stimuli, often involving unexpected elements that violate expectations and cause the autonomic nervous system to react. If you are among those who experience frisson, you understand the unique pleasure it brings.
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