From childhood joy to emotional connection, new research reveals the surprising health benefits behind those spine-tingling moments
They might seem fleeting, but those sudden shivers down your spine could be doing more for your wellbeing than you realise. New research suggests the humble “goosebump moment” – often sparked by powerful emotions – helps to boost mood, calm the mind and even inspire positive thinking.
According to a new study commissioned by Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter, the average person experiences these full-body tingles around six times a year, commonly caused by feelings of excitement (41%), surprise (35%) and joy (31%). But it’s nostalgia, reported by 21%, that’s emerging as a particularly powerful emotional driver.
In fact, more than a quarter (28%) say early-life memories play a key role in creating these sensations. Carefree play (48%), magical first trips to the cinema (45%), or special family days out (54%) were named as moments that continue to resonate well into adulthood.
The data shows goosebump moments can leave a lasting imprint, with over a quarter (28%) reporting prolonged happiness afterwards, while others feel calmer (25%) and even inspired (19%).
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter commissioned the study following an exciting new scientific experiment that took place at the Studio Tour.
Scientists from i2 Media Research based at Goldsmiths, University of London conducted field research at the attraction to study how layered emotions lead to goosebumps. First time visitors were fitted with hand sensors to monitor physiological responses at certain sets, including heart rate and skin conductance (Galvanic Skin Response, or GSR). The latter measures small changes in sweat activity and is widely used to indicate emotional arousal, making it useful for identifying ‘goosebump moments’.
The findings? Pretty hair-raising. In total, seven emotions, or ‘emotional layers’ were recorded with joy and nostalgia leading the charge – showing up most often alongside goosebump moments and scoring the highest for intensity, with a whopping 90%.
Professor Jonathan Freeman explained: “What’s particularly interesting here is that much of the existing research on goosebump moments – known to scientists as ‘aesthetic chills’ – has tended to look at very short, isolated clips or musical excerpts, usually in tightly controlled lab settings. In contrast, this study examined responses within a more complex, multi-layered and genuinely immersive real-world environment”.
“The Studio Tour offers a particularly strong context for this kind of work, as it brings together spectacle, narrative and culturally recognisable moments in a unique way that allows different emotional responses to emerge, accumulate and overlap.”
Reactions really took flight on the set of Destroyed Gringotts – where the highest peaks in skin conductance were measured, whilst in the Great Hall, the highest number of emotions were reported. Awe, joy, nostalgia and surprise were all present with an 80% intensity.
Laura Sinclair-Lazell, Head of Show Experience at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, said: “We love to see the wonder and awe when our visitors are transported behind-the-scenes of the filmmaking magic of the Harry Potter film series. It’s fascinating to now understand, thanks to the research, that it has a real physiological effect as they explore the experience.”
According to the survey data, goosebump moments are overwhelmingly rooted in real-life connection. A striking 95% of people say they experience goosebumps most strongly through in-person experiences, compared to just 5% online – highlighting the importance of stepping away from screens and into meaningful, shared moments.
Relationships also play a key role in emotional wellbeing. Over half (51%) have experienced goosebumps with a partner, while nearly as many (48%) say family connections trigger the feeling – reinforcing the idea that closeness and connection are central to how we process and feel emotion.
Those who would like to experience the layers of goosebump moments first hand can visit https://www.wbstudiotour.co.uk/tickets/ for more information on booking their trip to Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter.
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