Researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have explored how a sense of aesthetic arousal, often described as frisson, may influence mood and depressive symptoms. The findings, reported in the journal BMC Psychiatry, suggest that moments of intense emotional reaction to music or art could play a meaningful role in mental health care.
Frisson refers to a bodily tremor or shiver that arises during strong emotional engagement. It commonly occurs when someone encounters a beloved piece of music, a striking artwork, or a scene that resonates deeply. The study authors propose that this rapid, emotionally charged experience could represent a potential nonpharmacological tool for addressing depressive states.
In the investigation, a group of 96 participants diagnosed with major depressive disorder were exposed to a range of stimuli designed to provoke chill-inducing responses. After the exposure, participants completed surveys measuring aspects of their emotional well-being and depressive symptoms. Across several measures, researchers observed notable improvements in mood and affect among participants who experienced frisson during the stimuli.
Interpreting the results, the authors note that frisson might offer an alternative approach to treatment that does not rely on medications. They emphasize that the observed effects could be connected to shifting core beliefs about self-worth, control, and meaning—areas commonly impacted by depression. Yet the researchers caution that these findings are preliminary and call for additional work to confirm the results and uncover the mechanisms behind them.
There is a broader context for these findings. Earlier studies have hinted that even small fluctuations in mood can interact with physical processes such as energy balance and weight perception. While those connections are still being explored, the new work adds an intriguing layer by linking intense emotional experiences to potential changes in depressive symptoms. This line of inquiry could inform complementary strategies that combine emotional experience, mindfulness, and art-based therapies for people in Canada and the United States who are seeking non-drug options.