Voluntary Goosebumps

For most of us, goosebumps are uncontrollable, unavoidable, and only slightly predictable. They happen when we’re cold, when we’re afraid, and when we’re moved by an emotional experience. Sometimes they happen for what feels like no reason at all. But there’s a small portion of the population that can actually control their goosebumps. For these people, goosebumps are not just an unexplained phenomenon that hits them when they’re least expecting it. Instead, goosebumps can be summoned and dismissed at will. James Heathers, a full-time researcher at Northeastern University, joins us today to talk about his research into voluntary goosebumps.