Frisson
/frēˈsôN,ˈfrēˌsôN/
noun
“a sudden strong feeling of excitement or fear; a thrill”
Have you ever had the chills while you listen to a piece of music? Did the lyrics have a profound effect on you? Or was it the chords and melody? Maybe you don’t know exactly what moved you, but you knew something did as goosebumps moved up your spine.
I recently discovered the term “frisson” as it relates to listening to music. This is a French word translating to “shiver” or “thrill”. In English, the term describes the sensation of chills triggered by music. Since childhood, I have experienced this sensation and associated it with spiritual or “otherworldly” energy. Interestingly, that connection is not far off—after all, sound waves are a form of mechanical energy we cannot see but undoubtedly exist. Learning that there is a term - as well as a psychological and physiological explanation - for this phenomenon has been both exciting and enlightening.
The brain’s auditory cortex and anterior insula become more connected during frisson. The auditory cortex is responsible for processing sound, which includes speech, rhythm and pitch. When people experience strong emotional reactions to music, the anterior insula is activated. This area of the brain is responsible for emotional processing, interoception (awareness of internal body states), risk evaluation (such as “gut-feeling” decision-making) and pain perception. While this blog post will not delve too far into these dimensions of the brain, it is fascinating to understand the ways in which music activates parts of our brain responsible for so many key functions. This also helps to explain why music therapy is effective for pain management for those with chronic pain (inspiration for a future post, perhaps?).
When we experience chills from listening to music, the auditory cortex and anterior insula have become more connected through white matter in the brain. The white matter in the brain is responsible for transmitting information to other parts of the nervous system. As people experience the chills, dopamine - the neurotransmitter associated with reward and pleasure - floods through the body. It makes sense that the nervous system is deeply connected to musical experiences, given that many people experience a sense of calm or excitement when they listen to their favourite music. This helps to explain why music is such a valuable tool for stress management as well (again..a future post). Those people with a greater volume of white matter connectivity between the auditory cortex and anterior insula are more likely to experience musical frisson.
As I continue to study psychology, my reverence for music only grows. The euphoric experiences I have had with music, such as frisson, still exist in a spiritual realm for me. Understanding the science behind these experiences has only deepened my respect for the mind and body and how they relate to our musical experiences. So, the next time you hear a song that moves you to chills, know that your mind and body are satisfied and in sync, fully immersed in the moment. Add that song to your favourite playlist and utilize it as a powerful resource for your mental and emotional well-being.