Frontier of Self and Impact Prediction

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Science
• Psychology

Background:

• Peripersonal space (PPS) is the egocentric space surrounding the body, essential for environmental interaction and self-perception.
• Previous research often focused on isolated PPS sub-regions (hand, face, trunk), with limited investigation into their interactions.
• Understanding PPS is vital for comprehending body integrity and self-boundaries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advances in peripersonal space (PPS) research.
• To discuss new perspectives on the interaction between different PPS sub-regions.
• To explore the relationship between PPS and bodily self-consciousness (BSC).

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on peripersonal space (PPS).
• Analysis of studies using dynamic stimuli to estimate PPS boundaries.
• Examination of research on how stimuli modulate PPS through social, emotional, and action-related factors.

Main Results:

• PPS is modulated by impact prediction and approaching stimuli, involving parieto-frontal networks.
• Evidence suggests PPS is not a unique representation but comprises distinct sub-sections (hand, face, trunk).
• The interaction between these PPS sub-sections is a key area for future research.

Conclusions:

• The interaction between distinct peripersonal space (PPS) sub-regions is crucial for a unified spatial representation.
• Bodily self-consciousness (BSC) may be functionally and behaviorally linked to the complex interactions within PPS.
• Future research should focus on inter-subspace interactions and their connection to self-awareness.