Neural Mechanisms of Role Reversal in Improvisational Music Psychodrama: An fNIRS Hyperscanning Study

Background: The neural mechanisms underlying role-playing and role reversal in improvisational music psychodrama remain poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the specific neural correlates and behavioral associations of these processes. Methods: Using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) hyperscanning, inter-brain synchrony (IBS) was examined in 46 dyads of participants during improvisational role-playing and role reversal tasks. Behavioral changes were assessed using a negative emotion questionnaire. Results: Behavioral results indicated a significant reduction in negative emotion scores following the intervention compared to baseline. At the neural level, the role reversal task elicited significantly stronger activation in the right frontopolar area and induced higher IBS in the right supramarginal gyrus area compared to the role-playing task. Conclusions: The findings demonstrate that role reversal is associated with distinct neural activation patterns and enhanced inter-brain coordination. Coupled with the observed reduction in negative emotions, this provides empirical evidence elucidating the mechanisms underlying music psychodrama.