Listening Well Can Transform You, Study Reveals

Understanding Kama Muta: The Emotional Experience of Being Moved

Across different cultures, people often experience a unique emotional state that can be described in English as feeling moved, emotionally touched, or heartwarming. This emotion has been recently identified by researchers as Kama Muta, a term derived from Sanskrit meaning "moved by love." While the expression of this feeling may vary across languages, it consistently involves a sense of closeness and warmth.

Kama Muta is more than just an emotional response; it triggers physiological, cognitive, and behavioral changes. These can include a warm sensation in the chest, a lump in the throat, goosebumps, or even tears. These reactions contribute to forming stronger bonds and enriching personal experiences.

Researchers suggest that Kama Muta arises when individuals witness or participate in a sudden increase in relational closeness. This could happen during a new romantic relationship, a long-awaited reunion, or when observing someone making a sacrifice for another person. The phenomenon highlights the deep human need for connection and emotional resonance.

Recent studies have begun to explore how this powerful surge in connection occurs. A research team, including a psychologist from the University at Buffalo, has expanded the understanding of Kama Muta by examining it through the lens of listening. According to Kenneth DeMarree, Ph.D., an associate professor of psychology at UB, high-quality listening plays a significant role in eliciting this emotion.

The Role of High-Quality Listening

High-quality listening involves focusing on the speaker, seeking to understand their experiences, and maintaining positive intentions toward them. It is about truly hearing someone without judgment. DeMarree explains that this kind of listening fosters a deeper connection between individuals.

When someone listens well, the speaker is more likely to open up, sharing more of themselves in the conversation. This process not only strengthens the bond between the two people but also enhances the emotional experience of both parties.

The research team conducted three studies involving 293, 513, and 318 participants, respectively. Each study aimed to determine whether high-quality listening increases the experience of Kama Muta. They used a scale to measure five key dimensions of the emotion.

Five Dimensions of Kama Muta

The first dimension is communal sharing, which refers to a sense of closeness or togetherness. Second, Kama Muta is generally a positive emotion, associated with joy, affection, or delight. The third dimension involves physical sensations, such as warmth in the chest, goosebumps, or a lump in the throat.

The fourth dimension relates to a commitment to strengthen the relationship through actions. Finally, Kama Muta involves labeling the experience as heartwarming or feeling moved.

In the first study, participants were asked to recall an act they regretted and imagine discussing it with someone who listened well or poorly. The second study involved real-life conversations where participants reflected on interactions where either they or someone they knew shared a positive event with a listener who was attentive or not.

The third study focused on real conversations where one person shared a meaningful experience while the other listened. Both participants reported their perception of the listener's attentiveness.

Across all studies, higher-quality listening correlated with greater Kama Muta across the five dimensions. However, the final study found that among speakers, perceiving higher quality listening predicted three of the dimensions, excluding devotion and physical sensations.

DeMarree emphasizes that high-quality listening allows for deeper conversations, which can lead to greater closeness and, ultimately, more Kama Muta.

Implications for Relationships

The findings highlight the importance of good listening in shaping and strengthening relationships. Whether in friendships, romantic partnerships, or professional settings, effective listening can foster positive emotions that impact both the moment and future interactions.

This research contributes to a growing understanding of how human connections are formed and maintained. By recognizing the power of listening, individuals can enhance their emotional experiences and build stronger, more meaningful relationships.