耳への擦り刺激による音刺激に対する快感情の増幅

抄録

We investigated whether stroking the skin near the external auditory meatus while listening to sounds enhances pleasant feelings. Previous studies have demonstrated that vibratory stimuli can affect emotions evoked by watching videos or listening to sounds. However, none have investigated the effects of stroking stimuli near the external auditory meatus, which is a location where the vagus nerves extend. Participants were exposed to three types of sounds, both with and without the stroking stimuli applied to their ears, and were asked to select the stimulus condition that induced the most intense feelings. When sound stimuli were presented together with the stroking stimuli to the ear, joyful and pleasant feelings were intensified, whereas depressing feelings weakened. Therefore, it was suggested that stroking stimulation of the outer ear in combination with sound stimulation can induce positive feelings.