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Raving makes you happier, healthier and more successful, new study shows

Over half of Brits experience goosebumps during live entertainment, and those that do are higher achievers, according to a new scientific study ...

People who experience goosebumps during live entertainment form stronger relationships, are higher achievers and are happier and healthier than those that don’t, according to a new scientific study by Barclaycard.

The study, led by Matthew Sachs, Harvard University researcher, alongside Robin Murphy, professor of experimental psychology at the University of Oxford, found that over half of Brits experience goosebumps during live entertainment, and those the do feel the chills tend to be successful – achieving higher grades and earning 12% more than those that don’t.

Held at Reading & Leeds festivals over two days last month (August), the study saw participants watch a live performance while wearing a monitoring device to test their physiological responses including heart rate and movement to music. At the same time, a series of psychometric tests were conducted to discover who experiences a ‘goosebump moment’ ­and what that says about you. 

Speaking about the research, Murphy said, “The phenomenon of goosebumps has intrigued us for many years and having the opportunity to test participants in a live setting has certainly provided some food for thought. 

“The results of the Barclaycard study are the first to show the different personality traits that characterise people who experience goosebumps. The evidence also suggests that being truly connected with live entertainment and getting goosebumps has an impact on our overall sense of well-being and mood.”

The study comes after another by O2 in March which found attending live music once every two weeks can increase life expectancy by up to nine years. That followed shortly after research by Deakin University in Victoria, Australia, concluded that live music makes people happier.

(Photo: Andy Weisner)

Rob McCallum is DJ Mag’s deputy digital editor. Follow him on Twitter here.