Towards a neural model of infant cry perception
J Witteman1, M H Van IJzendoorn2, J K Rilling3
1Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition / Leiden University Centre for Linguistics, Leiden University, Van Wijkplaats 2, r2.02b, 2311 BV Leiden, the Netherlands.
Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews
|February 3, 2019
Summary
This meta-analysis reveals the neural basis of infant cry perception, highlighting auditory and motor systems. It confirms enhanced processing in females and parents via a specific cortico-limbic network.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- Infant cry perception is crucial for parent-infant bonding.
- Previous research suggested a broad neural network, including reward pathways, involved in processing infant cries.
- Gender and parental status may influence how individuals process infant vocalizations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To meta-analytically identify the specific neural networks involved in infant cry perception.
- To investigate the modulatory effects of gender and parenthood on infant cry processing.
- To propose an updated neural model of infant cry perception.
Main Methods:
- A meta-analysis of 350 studies examining brain activity during infant cry perception.
- Utilized neuroimaging data to identify consistently activated brain regions.
- Compared neural activation patterns between males and females, and between parents and non-parents.
Main Results:
- Confirmed the involvement of the auditory system, thalamocingulate circuit, dorsal anterior insula, pre-supplementary motor area, dorsomedial prefrontal cortex, and inferior frontal gyrus.
- Did not find evidence for the involvement of the reward pathway.
- Identified a cortico-limbic sensorimotor integration network activated more strongly in females and parents, suggesting enhanced processing in these groups.
Conclusions:
- The neural network for infant cry perception is primarily linked to auditory and sensorimotor processing, not reward pathways.
- Females and parents exhibit distinct neural activation patterns, supporting enhanced infant cry processing.
- An updated neural model emphasizes sensorimotor integration in infant cry perception, modulated by gender and parental experience.
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