You might shiver when he touches you due to a psychophysiological response known as frisson, triggered by pleasurable or rewarding stimuli.
Understanding Frisson
Frisson, also called "aesthetic chills" or "psychogenic shivers," is a fascinating phenomenon. It's a physical response to things that elicit strong emotions, like excitement, pleasure, or even awe. According to research, frisson isn’t limited to just musical experiences; it can also be triggered by:
- Visual stimuli: Photos or films
- Narrative stimuli: Stories
- Social stimuli: Interactions with people
- Ritualistic stimuli: Ceremonies or habits
When these stimuli are perceived as positive or rewarding, they can induce a range of physical sensations, including:
- Goosebumps
- Shivering
- Pleasurable tingling
- A feeling of excitement or awe
Why Touch Can Cause Frisson
Touch, especially when it involves someone you are emotionally connected to, can be a very powerful stimulus. Here’s how this relates to frisson:
- Emotional Connection: The touch might evoke strong feelings of attraction, affection, or desire. This emotional response can trigger the release of neurotransmitters associated with pleasure and reward, such as dopamine.
- Anticipation and Excitement: The anticipation of the touch, or the feeling that it's significant, can heighten your physiological responses, leading to shivers.
- Physical Sensations: The physical sensation of touch itself activates sensory nerves in the skin. This sensory information, combined with the emotional context, can be interpreted by your brain as a rewarding experience.
- The "Rewarding" Aspect: Because frisson is triggered by rewarding stimuli, the touch has to be viewed as positive and pleasurable. If you don't find the touch pleasant or feel a strong emotional bond, frisson is less likely to occur.
Example:
Imagine that you are deeply in love with someone. When that person touches your arm, you might feel a shiver run down your spine. This is not due to being cold. Instead, it is the result of the emotional reward associated with their touch triggering a frisson response.
Is This Normal?
Absolutely! Frisson is a normal, healthy response. It’s a sign that you are experiencing a positive and rewarding interaction. It reflects a complex interplay between emotional, sensory, and neurological systems in the body.
Key Takeaways:
| Point | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Frisson | A psychophysiological response to rewarding stimuli, also called aesthetic chills. |
| Triggers | Includes touch, music, films, stories, photos, rituals and other stimuli that are emotionally significant. |
| Touch and Emotion | The touch is viewed as rewarding when associated with affection, desire, or anticipation, triggering frisson. |
| Normal Reaction | It's a common and healthy reaction to pleasurable stimuli and an emotional connection. |
