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Regional gray matter volume is associated with empathizing and systemizing in young adults
Hikaru Takeuchi1, Yasuyuki Taki2, Yuko Sassa2
1Smart Ageing International Research Center, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan.
Plos One
|January 11, 2014
Summary
Brain structure differences in empathizing and systemizing were identified. Empathizing is linked to the default mode network, while systemizing involves attention networks, suggesting neural competition between these cognitive drives.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
Background:
- Empathizing involves understanding others' mental states and emotions.
- Systemizing involves analyzing rule-based systems to predict behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the relationship between regional gray matter volume (rGMV) and empathizing/systemizing.
- Explore the neural correlates of the D score (systemizing minus empathizing).
Main Methods:
- Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) on MRI scans.
- Questionnaires assessing empathizing and systemizing.
- Analysis in a large sample of healthy young adults.
Main Results:
- Empathizing rGMV correlates were found in the default mode and mirror neuron systems.
- Systemizing rGMV correlates were found in attention networks and the cingulate cortex.
- Significant overlap in neural correlates suggests competition between empathizing and systemizing.
Conclusions:
- Specific brain regions are associated with empathizing and systemizing.
- Findings suggest a neural basis for the competition between these cognitive styles.
- Reconciles previous inconsistent findings in the field.
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