Temporal dynamics of the Rubber Hand Illusion

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Psychology
• Body Self-Consciousness

Background:

• The body representation is dynamic, not fixed, and updated by multisensory information.
• Adaptability requires a balance between malleability and the ability to restore integrity after changes.
• Previous research lacked fine temporal resolution in studying the Rubber Hand Illusion (RHI).

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the temporal dynamics of body representation malleability using the RHI.
• To precisely measure the onset and offset timing of the feeling of ownership in the RHI.
• To understand how quickly the sense of body ownership can be established and resolved.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the Rubber Hand Illusion (RHI) paradigm.
• Employed a potentiometer for moment-by-moment subjective ratings of ownership.
• Recorded ownership ratings continuously for two minutes during and two minutes after visuo-tactile stimulation.

Main Results:

• The feeling of ownership of the rubber hand was established within the first 19 seconds of stimulation.
• Ownership feeling continued to increase post-19 seconds, but at a significantly slower rate.
• The sense of ownership dissipated within 66 seconds after the visuo-tactile stimulation ceased.

Conclusions:

• Body representation is highly malleable, with rapid establishment of ownership during the RHI.
• The temporal dynamics reveal a quick onset and relatively rapid offset of the RHI's influence.
• This study provides new insights into the temporal characteristics of body self-consciousness and the RHI.