How long does this quiz take?

It takes about 10-12 minutes to complete.

Are my responses private?

Yes, all answers are anonymized and confidential.

Can I take this test more than once?

Yes, you can retake the test any time to see how your results may have changed.

What kind of ASMR triggers are covered in this quiz?

This quiz covers a comprehensive range of auditory (sounds), visual (sights), and tactile (touch-related) triggers that are commonly reported within the ASMR community.

Can my results help me find better ASMR content?

Yes, your results will highlight your most intense triggers, which you can use to search for ASMR videos or experiences tailored to your specific sensory needs.

Discover the specific auditory, visual, and tactile stimuli that elicit your unique Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR).

ASMR Sensory Trigger Checklist

Find your personal ASMR triggers and intensity level.

By Mark Travers, Ph.D. | Last Updated: December 15, 2025

Reviewed for clinical accuracy by Jourdan Travers, LCSW

The world of Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) has grown exponentially, bringing a unique form of relaxation to millions. ASMR is defined as a tingling sensation, often described as 'brain tingles,' that typically starts on the scalp and moves down the back of the neck and upper spine, leading to profound relaxation. This experience is triggered by a variety of sensory inputs—auditory, visual, and tactile.

Understanding your personal triggers is key to harnessing the calming and anti-anxiety benefits of ASMR. While some people respond strongly to whispering, others may find more intense tingles from delicate hand movements, tapping sounds, or personal attention. This quiz is designed to help you pinpoint exactly which stimuli are most effective for you. For another deep dive into your sensory world, you might be interested in taking our Highly Sensitive Person Questionnaire.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does this quiz take?: It takes about 10-12 minutes to complete.
Are my responses private?: Yes, all ASMR Sensory Trigger Checklist answers are anonymized and confidential.
Can I take this test more than once?: Yes, you can retake the test any time to see how your ASMR Sensory Trigger Checklist results may have changed.
What kind of ASMR triggers are covered in this quiz?: This quiz covers a comprehensive range of auditory (sounds), visual (sights), and tactile (touch-related) triggers that are commonly reported within the ASMR community.
Can my results help me find better ASMR content?: Yes, your results will highlight your most intense triggers, which you can use to search for ASMR videos or experiences tailored to your specific sensory needs.

ASMR Sensory Trigger Checklist: Take The Test

Step 1: Rate Your ASMR Trigger Intensity

For each potential trigger, indicate the average intensity of your ASMR experience on a scale of 1 (No ASMR/Not A Trigger) to 5 (Most Intense ASMR Experience). For best results, answer honestly and trust your first instinct.

1. Experiencing intentional or unintentional physical touch on your body (e.g., hair brushing, massage, someone lightly brushing past you).

2. Receiving close personal attention (e.g., during a service encounter like a haircut, ear cleaning, or a medical exam).

3. Someone providing you with care or emotional support (e.g., looking after you when ill, kind words, positive affirmations).

4. Light or delicate touch applied to your face (e.g., make-up application).

5. Witnessing or receiving altruistic acts, like kind words, apologies, or a gesture of goodwill.

6. The sound or sensation of air being blown, such as near your ear or hair.

7. Direct eye contact or someone intently scrutinizing a specific part of you.

8. Whispering sounds.

9. Soft, gentle, or rhythmic slow-speaking (e.g., a calm tone, frequent pauses, counting).

10. The specific pitch or vocal quality of a person's voice (e.g., female or children's voices).

11. Hearing certain consonant sounds (e.g., S, K, T, R) often found in trigger words.

12. The sound of different accents, especially foreign ones.

13. Listening to someone read aloud from a book or magazine.

14. Human mouth sounds (e.g., lip smacking, humming, tongue clicks, breathing, eating).

15. Tapping sounds (e.g., gentle nail tapping on a hard surface, keyboard typing).

16. Scratching or writing sounds (e.g., a pen on paper).

17. Crisp, crinkling, or crunchy sounds (e.g., crinkling foil, rustling clothing).

18. The sounds produced by turning the pages of a book or magazine.

19. Sounds related to liquids, lotions, foams, or spray bottles.

20. Sounds from solid objects interacting (e.g., wood on wood, glass on glass, metal like scissors cutting).

21. Natural environment sounds (e.g., rain, wind, flowing water, fire crackling).

22. Watching delicate or precise hand movements (e.g., hand strokes, tracing objects).

23. Watching another person receive physical touch (e.g., observing a massage or hair brushing).

24. Watching someone skillfully complete a task (e.g., playing an instrument, calligraphy, painting).

25. Observing someone deeply concentrating on an ordinary task (e.g., cooking, applying makeup).

26. Watching repetitive, simple actions (e.g., folding laundry, coloring).

27. "Oddly satisfying" visual and auditory triggers (e.g., cutting soap, kinetic sand, slime).

28. Experiencing a light being flashed or moved near your face.

Step 2: Enter Your Demographics

Provide your age, gender, region, and first name for a detailed report comparing your results to others.

What is your age?

What is your gender?

What region of the world do you live in?

What is your first name?

Step 3: Submit Your ASMR Sensory Trigger Checklist Answers

After completing all questions, click below to send your responses to Mark Travers, Ph.D. All answers are anonymized and confidential.

References

Poeirio, G. L., Succi, A., Swart, T., Romei, V., & Gillmeister, H. (2023). From touch to tingles: Assessing ASMR triggers and their consistency over time with the ASMR Trigger Checklist (ATC). Consciousness and Cognition, 115(2023), 1-14.

Disclaimer

This scale is designed for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment.