Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 31, 2026
15:57
Brain Imaging Investigation of the Memory-Enhancing Effect of Emotion
Published on: May 4, 2011
Differences in self- and other-induced Mu suppression are correlated with empathic abilities
C Chad Woodruff1, Tim Martin, Nick Bilyk
1Department of Psychology, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, USA. Chad.Woodruff@nau.edu
Brain Research
|July 12, 2011
Summary
The human mirror neuron system may support empathy. This study found that differences in brain activity (mu suppression) during action observation and execution correlated with higher perspective-taking skills, a key aspect of empathy.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
- Social Neuroscience
Background:
- The human mirror neuron system is implicated in empathy.
- Electroencephalographic (EEG) mu suppression (8-13Hz) is a proposed neural correlate of mirror neuron activity.
- Empathy involves discriminating self from other, suggesting individual differences in neural responses may relate to empathic abilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between EEG mu suppression and empathic abilities.
- To determine if individual differences in mu suppression during action observation versus execution correlate with perspective-taking skills.
Main Methods:
- Participants' electroencephalographic (EEG) activity was recorded.
- Mu suppression in the 8-13Hz band was measured during action observation and execution.
- Empathic abilities were assessed using the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI), focusing on perspective-taking.
Main Results:
- Larger differences in mu suppression between action observation and execution were found.
- These larger differences correlated positively with higher scores on the IRI perspective-taking subscale.
Conclusions:
- Neural activity reflected in mu suppression is associated with empathic abilities.
- The findings support the role of the mirror neuron system in empathy, particularly in distinguishing self from other during social cognition.
Related Concept Videos
02:34Empathy
Some researchers suggest that altruism operates on empathy. Empathy is the capacity to understand another person’s perspective, to feel what he or she feels. An empathetic person makes an emotional connection with others and feels compelled to help (Batson, 1991). Empathy can be expressed in several ways, including cognitive, affective, and motor.
01:25Motivational Bias
Cognitive bias results from limitations in thinking and information processing, leading to systematic errors in judgment. Conversely, motivational bias stems from personal desires or emotions, causing distortions in perception to align with self-interest. Motivational bias influences how individuals perceive and attribute causes to events, often shaped by personal needs, goals, and self-esteem preservation. This bias can distort judgment, leading to inaccurate assessments of success, failure,...
01:24Strategies of Self-Presentation III: Self-Monitoring
Self-monitoring is a central construct in understanding individual differences in self-presentation strategies across social contexts. It refers to how individuals observe, regulate, and control their expressive behavior and self-presentation following situational cues. Self-monitoring reflects a person's sensitivity to social appropriateness and willingness to adapt behavior to fit varying interpersonal demands.High vs. Low Self-Monitoring IndividualsIndividuals high in self-monitoring are...
01:55Egoism and Altruism
Voluntary behavior with the intent to help other people is called prosocial behavior. Why do people help other people? Is personal benefit such as feeling good about oneself the only reason people help one another?
01:13Nonconscious Mimicry
Nonconscious mimicry occurs when individuals alter their mannerisms to match the behaviors and expressions of those nearby, without intention.
01:21Self-Awareness and Its Effects
Self-awareness is a psychological state in which the individual becomes the focal point of their attention. This inward focus transforms the self into an object of contemplation and assessment, influencing how individuals perceive their actions and their alignment with personal and societal standards.Triggers and Contexts for Self-AwarenessSelf-awareness can be activated by external stimuli that make individuals visually or audibly aware of themselves, such as mirrors, cameras, or recordings.