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Right frontal cortical lesions disrupt anger mimicry
Phoebe E Bailey1, Julie D Henry, Kandice J Varcin
1School of Social Sciences and Psychology, University of Western Sydney, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia. p.bailey@uws.edu.au
Neuropsychologia
|April 3, 2012
Summary
Individuals with right frontal lesions do not mimic angry facial expressions, unlike controls and those with left frontal lesions. This suggests right frontal cortex specialization for processing anger cues.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Social Neuroscience
Background:
- Facial expression mimicry is a fundamental aspect of social interaction.
- The neural basis of mimicry, particularly the role of the frontal cortex, remains an area of active investigation.
- Understanding lesion effects provides insight into brain function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the neural substrates of facial expression mimicry.
- To determine the role of the right and left frontal cortex in mimicking emotional facial expressions.
- To examine differences in mimicry of happy versus angry expressions in individuals with frontal lesions.
Main Methods:
- Electromyography (EMG) was used to measure muscle activity.
- Muscle activity was recorded from the corrugator supercilii (brow) and zygomaticus major (cheek) regions.
- Participants included individuals with right frontal lesions, left frontal lesions, and demographically matched controls.
Main Results:
- All groups successfully mimicked happy facial expressions.
- Controls and individuals with left frontal lesions mimicked angry facial expressions.
- Individuals with right frontal lesions did not show mimicry of angry facial expressions.
Conclusions:
- The findings support the specialization of the right frontal cortex for processing anger.
- Left frontal lesions do not impair the mimicry of angry facial expressions.
- Facial mimicry, especially for negative emotions like anger, relies on intact right frontal cortical function.
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