A neural model of mechanisms of empathy deficits in narcissism

Abstract

From a multidimensional perspective, empathy is a process that includes affective sharing and imagining and understanding the emotions of others. The primary brain structures involved in mediating the components of empathy are the anterior insula (AI), the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), and specific regions of the medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC). The AI and ACC are the main nodes in the salience network (SN), which selects and coordinates the information flow from the intero- and exteroreceptors. AI might play a role as a crucial hub – a dynamic switch between 2 separate networks of cognitive processing: the central executive network (CEN), which is concerned with effective task execution, and the default mode network (DMN), which is involved with self-reflective processes. Given various classifications, a deficit in empathy may be considered a central dysfunctional trait in narcissism. A recent fMRI study suggests that deficit in empathy is due to a dysfunction in the right AI. Based on the acquired data, we propose a theoretical model of imbalanced SN functioning in narcissism in which the dysfunctional AI hub is responsible for constant DMN activation, which, in turn, centers one’s attention on the self. This might hinder the ability to affectively share and understand the emotions of others. This review paper on neural mechanisms of empathy deficits in narcissism aims to inspire and direct future research in this area.

The role of the salience network in cognitive and affective deficits

“…The second point, which entails exploring the more intricate interactions and conditional dependencies that distinguish the mechanisms underlying various disorders, seems most intriguing from the standpoint of future research. Attempts have been made to specify these mechanisms, such as the briefly described neural models of dysfunction in autism (Uddin and Menon, 2009 ), narcissism (Jankowiak-Siuda and Zajkowski, 2013 ) or schizophrenia (Kapur, 2003 ; Palaniyappan and Liddle, 2012 ). However, most of them are not yet supported by enough empirical evidence to fully validate all the hypotheses they pose; for now, they mainly serve to steer further research.…”

“…This leads to the generalization and over-mobilization of stress reactions in non-threatening situations (Menon and Uddin, 2010 ; Hermans et al, 2014 ). In the case of narcissism, on the other hand, a proposed model of SN dysfunction relies on the inability of a dysregulated right AI to turn off the DMN, leading to an excessive concentration of thoughts on one’s self (Jankowiak-Siuda and Zajkowski, 2013 ).…”

“…of a dysregulated right AI to turn off the DMN, leading to an excessive concentration of thoughts on one's self (Jankowiak-Siuda and Zajkowski, 2013).…”

Psychometric Evaluation of the ‘Reading the Mind in the Eyes’ Test With Samples of Different Ages From a Polish Population

“…This supports the theoretical assumptions about RMET as a tool specialized in measuring rather a cognitive dimension of empathy, and supports our line of reasoning. Cognitive empathy includes the imagining and understanding of another person's perspectives (their feelings and intentions), enabling the observer to act in a context-specific manner (Jankowiak-Siuda & Zajkowski, 2013). It is worth pointing out that there are neurological reasons the ToM and perspective taking should be related.…”

Where am I? Who am I? The Relation Between Spatial Cognition, Social Cognition and Individual Differences in the Built Environment

“…However, chimpanzees are more egocentric compared to humans because chimpanzees do not have the human capacity for cognitive empathy, which involves such abilities as understanding past, conflicting and hidden emotions in other individuals (Koski and Sterck, 2009 ). Indeed, empathy deficits, such as those arising from narcissism, can directly influence one's perception of the world (Jankowiak-Siuda and Zajkowski, 2013 ). Consistent with the discussion in a prior section on the link between spatial and social reference frames, the key neural structures for empathy such as the insula and anterior cingulate cortex are also implicated in salience, or the assignment of attentional priority to sensory information (Frith and Frith, 2003 ; Decety and Jackson, 2004 ; Seeley et al, 2007 ).…”