Roughly 30% of the subtleties in the inclination to feel the so-called “goosebumps” from music, poetry, and artworks are determined by genes. Specialists from the Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics reached this conclusion, publishing the main aspects of their work in PLOS Genetics.
The scientists conducted an analysis of data, including genetic information, from over 15,500 participants in the Dutch cohort project Lifelines. The authors dedicated the study to the so-called “aesthetic chills.” This is a physiological response in the form of prickling sensations or trembling, arising in reaction to a powerful emotional impression from artistic works or objects.
The analysis revealed that around 30% of the variations in susceptibility to such responses are due to hereditary factors. About a quarter of this influence is explained by common genetic variants. This suggests a notable contribution of heredity to the emotional receptivity to cultural stimuli.
Some of the studied genetic factors are common across different types of art and relate to personality traits, primarily openness to new experiences. Specific genetic influences were also identified, tied separately to reactions to music, poetry, or visual art, which indicates different physiological mechanisms of perception.
The authors emphasize that genetics is just one element. The intensity of “aesthetic chills” is also influenced by environment, cultural background, and social context.
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