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Updated: Dec 28, 2025
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Brain Imaging Investigation of the Neural Correlates of Observing Virtual Social Interactions
Published on: July 6, 2011
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Amygdala activity related to perceived social support
Wataru Sato1, Takanori Kochiyama2, Shota Uono3
1Kokoro Research Center, Kyoto University, Kyoto University, 46 Shimoadachi, Sakyo, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan. sato.wataru.4v@kyoto-u.ac.jp.
Scientific Reports
|February 21, 2020
Summary
Lower amygdala activity and stronger connections to other brain regions are linked to greater perceived social support. This research explores the neural basis of social support, highlighting its role in well-being.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
- Social Science
Background:
- Perceived social support is crucial for well-being and mitigating stress.
- Previous studies linked amygdala volume to social support, but neural activity and connectivity remained unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between neural activity in the amygdala and functional connectivity (FC) with perceived social support.
- To explore the neural underpinnings of how social support impacts well-being.
Main Methods:
- Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used.
- Fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (fALFF) analyzed amygdala activity.
- Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) assessed perceived social support.
Main Results:
- Lower fALFF in bilateral amygdalae correlated with higher MSPSS scores.
- Increased FC between the left amygdala and right orbitofrontal cortex was associated with higher MSPSS scores.
- Enhanced FC between the left amygdala and bilateral precuneus also linked to higher MSPSS scores.
Conclusions:
- Reduced amygdala activity may be a neural correlate of perceived social support.
- Heightened functional connectivity between the amygdala and regions like the orbitofrontal cortex and precuneus is associated with perceived social support.
- These findings suggest a neural mechanism through which social support exerts its positive effects on well-being.
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