Body maps of sound pitch and relevant individual differences in alexithymic trait and depressive state

Sound perception extends beyond the boundaries of auditory sensation, encompassing an engagement with the human body. In this study, we examined the relationship between our perception of sound pitch and our bodily sensations, while also exploring the role of emotions in shaping this intriguing cross-modal correspondence. We also compared the topography of pitch-triggered body sensations between depressive and non-depressive groups, and between alexithymic, and non-alexithymic groups. Further, we examined their associations with anxiety. Our findings reveal that individuals with alexithymic trait and depressive state experience a less localized body sensations in response to sound pitch, accompanied by heightened feelings of anxiety and negative emotions. These findings suggest that diffuse bodily sensations in response to sound may be associated with heightened feelings of anxiety. Monitoring pitch-triggered body sensations could therefore serve as a potential indicator of emotional tendencies linked to disorders such as depression and alexithymia. Our study sheds light on the importance of bodily sensation in response to sounds, a phenomenon that may be mediated by interoception. This research enhances our understanding of the intricate relationship between sound, emotions, and the human body, offering insights for potential interventions in emotional disorders.