Why Does Frisson Occur?

Musical passages that include unexpected harmonies, sudden changes in volume, or the moving entrance of a soloist are particularly common triggers for frisson because they violate listeners' expectations in a positive way, similar to what occurred during the 2009 debut performance of the unassuming Susan Boyle on “ ...

What causes frisson?

Some researchers have even dubbed it a 'skin orgasm. ' Listening to emotionally moving music is the most common trigger of frisson, but some feel it while looking at beautiful artwork, watching a particularly moving scene in a movie, or having physical contact with another person.

Does everyone get frisson?

Research regarding the prevalence of frisson has varied widely, with studies showing anywhere between 55 percent and 86 percent of the population being able to experience the effect.