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Mental action simulation synchronizes action-observation circuits across individuals.

Lauri Nummenmaa1, Dmitry Smirnov, Juha M Lahnakoski

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Summary

Sharing feelings synchronizes brain activity in the action-observation network (AON). This neural synchronization, measured via functional magnetic resonance imaging, enhances understanding of others' actions and promotes social connection.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Social Cognition
  • Cognitive Neuroscience

Background:

  • The frontoparietal action-observation network (AON) is theorized to facilitate understanding of others' actions and intentions.
  • Previous research suggests the AON plays a role in social cognition and empathy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate whether the AON synchronizes brain activity when individuals share a third person's feelings.
  • To explore how simulating emotions impacts neural synchronization and functional connectivity within the AON and related brain circuits.

Main Methods:

  • Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to monitor brain activity in 20 volunteers.
  • Participants passively viewed boxing match videos or simulated a boxer's feelings.
  • Instantaneous intersubject phase synchronization (ISPS) was calculated to assess neural synchrony and functional connectivity.

Main Results:

  • Passive viewing led to synchronized brain activity in sensory and posterior temporal cortices.
  • Simulating feelings significantly increased ISPS within the AON, somatosensory cortices, and dorsal attention circuits.
  • Interconnectivity between these brain regions was enhanced during emotional simulation.

Conclusions:

  • Sharing a third person's feelings synchronizes neural mechanisms for sensation and motor planning in observers.
  • This enhanced neural synchrony within the AON and associated networks likely facilitates mutual understanding and social cognition.
  • The findings support the role of the AON in processing and understanding others' emotional states.