Mirror Neuron System and Mentalizing System connect during online social interaction

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Social Cognition
• Cognitive Neuroscience

Background:

• Social cognition relies on two key brain networks: the Mirror Neuron System (goal understanding, empathy, imitation) and the Mentalizing System (self-reference, intention understanding).
• While theoretical interactions exist, the synergy between these systems during live social exchanges remains under-explored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the functional connectivity between the Mirror Neuron System and the Mentalizing System during reciprocal imitation of hand gestures.
• To explore how these systems' interaction changes based on conditions of being imitated versus imitating.

Main Methods:

• Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to record brain activity during live social exchanges involving reciprocal imitation.
• Psychophysiological interaction (PPI) analysis was employed to examine changes in the Mirror System's functional connectivity.

Main Results:

• A significant coupling was observed between the Mirror Neuron System and the Mentalizing System during imitative exchanges.
• Findings indicate a complementary functional role for these networks in social interactions.

Conclusions:

• The Mirror System prepares and simulates actions, while the Mentalizing System anticipates intentions, facilitating co-regulation of reciprocal actions.
• The study highlights the interconnectedness of these systems in social cognition and offers insights into role-switching dynamics.