Somatic engagement alters subsequent neurobehavioral correlates of affective mentalizing

Abstract

Socio-emotional encounters involve a resonance of others' affective states, known as affect sharing (AS); and attribution of mental states to others, known as theory-ofmind (ToM). Empathy necessitates the integration of both processes, yet their interaction during emotional episodes and subsequent generation of inferences on others' affective states has rarely been tested. To address this, we developed a novel experimental design, wherein we manipulated AS by presenting nonverbal emotionally negative movies twice-each time accompanied by one of two soundtracks that accentuated either somatic cues or externally generated sounds. Movies were followed by questions addressing affective-ToM (emotional inferences), cognitive-ToM (inferences on beliefs and knowledge), and non-ToM aspects. Results revealed a neural differentiation between AS, affective-ToM, and cognitive-ToM. AS movies activated regions that have been implicated in emotional (e.g., amygdala) and somatosensory processing, and synchronized brain activity between participants in the latter. Affective-ToM activated the middle insula, limbic regions, and both ventral and dorsal portions of the medial prefrontal cortex (ventral medial prefrontal cortex[VMPFC] and dorsal medial prefrontal cortex [DMPFC], respectively), whereas cognitive-ToM activated posteromedial and lateral-prefrontal and temporal cortices.Critically, AS movies specifically altered neural activation in AS and ToM-related regions during subsequent affective-ToM inferences, most notably in the DMPFC.Moreover, DMPFC-VMPFC connectivity correlated with affective-ToM accuracy, when such questions followed AS movies. Our results associate empathic processes with designated neural activations and shed light on how neuro-behavioral indices of affective ToM are shaped by preceding somatic engagement.

Structural and functional abnormalities in the medial prefrontal cortex were associated with pain and depressive symptoms in patients with adhesive capsulitis

“… 36 Evidence from anxiety-like behaviors in mouse models of chronic pain highlighted the crucial role of nNOS-expressing neurons in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) in the manifestation of pain-induced anxiety 19 ; furthermore, these neural alterations were not confined solely to anxiety (eg, pathological or physiological stress-related responses). 12 , 32 Taken together, neuroplasticity plays a significant role in the development and manifestation of chronic pain and negative emotions, likely involving similar brain structures, neurotransmitters, and pathways. Having said this, an alternative explanation also exists—it has also been shown by recent studies that the altered FCs between patients with chronic pain and HC were associated with the timing of assessment, specifically the presence or absence of pain at that moment of MR scanning.…”

Leveraging Systems Thinking, Engagement, and Digital Competencies to Enhance First-Year Architecture Students’ Achievement in Design-Based Learning

“…Moreover, social engagement, together with emotional and cognitive engagement, plays a crucial role when tasks deal with the problems and contexts of complex social relationships, when students are directed to work with others, and when value systems conflict [24,35], especially during study abroad [36]. As argued by Shany et al [37], socioemotional encounters involve a resonance of others' affective states and attribution of mental states to others where empathy can integrate both states. Moreover, emotional aspects of the experience gained from tasks or other work assignments can be used for visualizing and, consequently, trigger somatic engagement with learning [37].…”

“…As argued by Shany et al [37], socioemotional encounters involve a resonance of others' affective states and attribution of mental states to others where empathy can integrate both states. Moreover, emotional aspects of the experience gained from tasks or other work assignments can be used for visualizing and, consequently, trigger somatic engagement with learning [37].…”

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“…The authors further support this distinction by citing empirical evidence from research in personality, developmental disorders, and neurological studies, supporting the notion that cognitive and affective empathy are separate constructs. Specifically during film watching, Shany et al ( 2021 ) found different neural patterns for affect sharing, affective ToM, and cognitive ToM. To capture these dissociative components in the processing of dramatic irony scenes, we considered cognitive and affective mental states both separately and together in our analysis.…”