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Grima - The irritating sound (Psychology)

You must have come across the irritating sound resulting from a sharp object scratching another rough surface. Ever wondered what it is called? Finger nails scraping a blackboard It is called 'Grima' Although it is not yet included in standard English, mostly Spanish speakers call it so, when they hear this unpleasant sound, resulting from a chalk or nails scratching against a blackboard, a fork scratching a plate, nails scratching a wall etc. Psychologists say, it should be considered distinct from other emotions. It is seen that some people can bear this sound to some extent whereas some can't bear it even for a second. What Spanish speakers mean by 'Grima' is, an unpleasant sensation, shivering and repulsion. Stimuli that draws it out , includes squeaking noises of doors, scratching with fingernails on surfaces etc. It   is rated as less pleasant than disgust. It is also seen that people get a sensation of itchy skin and goosebumps in such cases. Research: Over ...
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Grima - The irritating sound (Psychology)


You must have come across the irritating sound resulting from a sharp object scratching another rough surface. Ever wondered what it is called?





Grima - The irritating sound
Finger nails scraping a blackboard



It is called 'Grima'

Although it is not yet included in standard English, mostly Spanish speakers call it so, when they hear this unpleasant sound, resulting from a chalk or nails scratching against a blackboard, a fork scratching a plate, nails scratching a wall etc. Psychologists say, it should be considered distinct from other emotions.

It is seen that some people can bear this sound to some extent whereas some can't bear it even for a second. What Spanish speakers mean by 'Grima' is, an unpleasant sensation, shivering and repulsion. Stimuli that draws it out, includes squeaking noises of doors, scratching with fingernails on surfaces etc. It is rated as less pleasant than disgust. It is also seen that people get a sensation of itchy skin and goosebumps in such cases.


Research:


Over a thorough research, it is found that 'Grima' sounds are relatively less unpleasant, but their rating for disgust-including sound didn't change. This shows that it is not a reflex reaction, but an emotional experience which could be influenced by thought, and is distinct from disgust.

It is established that 'Grima' is similar to disgust, but differs in terms of its triggers and the psychological response, even in people who don't have a name for it their language.


Conclusion:


Why fingernails or fork scratching against a wall and plate respectively, stimulates such a strong aversive reaction is still a mystery. A previous study found that the frequencies in the middle of the audio range are the most irritating and annoying. The frequency range, 2000-5000 Hz is the range in which, the ear canal resonates, making the sound transmit very efficiently.

A brain imaging study found that sounds in this range activate the amygdala, a part of the brain involved in fearful responses, which, in turn, heightens activity in the auditory cortex. 


Grima - The irritating sound
Frequency test



Another characteristics of sound which triggers 'Grima' is their roughness. When we scrape our fingernails on a wall, we have this roughness caused by catching on the wall. It is like how a violin bow works, but it differs by creating a sweet melodious sound.



Grima - The irritating sound
Violin




Thank you so much for going through this article.






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