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How mirror-touch informs theories of synesthesia
Beat Meier1, Katrin Lunke, Nicolas Rothen
1a Institute of Psychology and Center for Cognition, Learning, and Memory , University of Bern , Bern , Switzerland.
Cognitive Neuroscience
|June 30, 2015
Summary
This study compares threshold theory and Self-Other Theory for mirror-touch phenomena. Neither theory serves as a suitable general model for synesthesia research.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
Background:
- Mirror-touch synesthesia involves experiencing touch sensations when observing others being touched.
- Two main theories explain mirror-touch: threshold theory (hyperactive mirror neuron system) and Self-Other Theory (impaired self-other distinction).
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the applicability of threshold theory and Self-Other Theory to synesthesia.
- To advance the understanding of mirror-touch phenomena and its relation to synesthesia.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of existing theoretical frameworks.
- Exploration of how mirror-touch theories can inform broader synesthesia models.
Main Results:
- Threshold theory posits mirror-touch arises from an overactive mirror neuron system.
- Self-Other Theory suggests mirror-touch results from difficulties distinguishing self from others.
Conclusions:
- Neither threshold theory nor Self-Other Theory are adequate as universal models for synesthesia.
- Further research is needed to develop comprehensive synesthesia theories.
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