An Examination of ASMR Triggers, Misophonia, and Adverse Childhood Experiences from a Sensorimotor Trauma Lens

This dissertation aimed to investigate individual differences in sensory sensitivities in relation to childhood trauma. Participants provided demographic information and completed instruments evaluating ASMR responsiveness, misophonia severity, and histories of adverse childhood experiences. A confirmatory factor analysis was first conducted, which supported the factor structure of the ASMR Trigger Checklist and affirmed its suitability for use in ASMR research. Correlation and regression analyses showed that adverse childhood experiences had a positive relationship with ASMR and misophonic responsiveness, with Adverse Childhood Experiences significantly predicting ASMR Trigger Intensity and Misophonia Symptom Severity. The findings are discussed within a polyvagal framework to address potential mechanisms underlying ASMR and misophonia responses, highlight implications for mental health practice, and offer recommendations for future research.

Author

• Khang, Minsoo

Language

• en

Date created

• 2026

Type of Work

• Dissertation

License

• All rights reserved

Rights statement

• In Copyright

GW Unit

• Counseling

Degree

• Ph.D.

Advisor

• Marotta-Walters, Sylvia

Committee Member(s)

• Lanthier, Richard
• Weiss, Brandi

Persistent URL

•  https://scholarspace.library.gwu.edu/etd/8336h306g