The researchers examine the connection between the autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) and maladaptive daydreaming (MD) in Pakistani adolescents. A total of 395 individuals aged 13 and older were recruited as a sample to examine the problem of whether maladaptive tendencies of day dreaming were correlated with ASMR experiences.

Participants with any medical or psychiatric history were excluded from the research. Results revealed that there was a negative correlation between ASMR responsiveness and maladaptive daydreaming such that people who are more responsive to ASMR are less susceptible to excessive and immersive daydreaming.

As a result of these findings, ASMR can be used as a stabilizing sensory experience, which helps with emotional regulation and potentially reduces maladaptive cognitive patterns and processes. The paper demonstrates the applicability of ASMR in adolescent mental health and suggests its applicability in forms of a natural intervention to decrease maladaptive daydreaming.