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The voluntary control of piloerection.
James A J Heathers1, Kirill Fayn2, Paul J Silvia3
1Bouve College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, United States of America.
Peerj
|August 8, 2018
Summary
Voluntarily generated piloerection (VGP), the conscious ability to induce goosebumps, is a rare phenomenon. This study explored its physiological, emotional, and personality correlates in 32 individuals.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychophysiology
- Human Physiology
Background:
- The autonomic nervous system typically operates outside conscious control.
- Voluntarily generated piloerection (VGP) is a rare exception, allowing conscious induction of goosebumps.
- Little is known about VGP's physiological nature and emotional associations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the physiological, emotional, and personality characteristics associated with VGP.
- To expand understanding beyond existing single-case studies.
Main Methods:
- Assessed physiological patterns during VGP in 32 individuals.
- Collected self-reported data on accompanying psychological states and personality traits.
Main Results:
- Physiological descriptions of VGP were consistent with prior limited reports.
- Most participants linked VGP to affective states (e.g., awe) and specific experiences (e.g., music).
- Individuals with VGP reported higher-than-average openness to experience.
Conclusions:
- VGP is a rare physiological ability with unique sensory and action patterns.
- VGP appears to interact with emotional states and personality factors, particularly openness.
- Further research is warranted to understand this unusual psychophysiological phenomenon.
Keywords:
AbsorptionAutonomic physiologyEmotionOpenness to experiencePersonalityPsychophyisologyVoluntary piloerectionMore Related Videos
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