The Journal of Neurobehavioral Sciences

Yazarlar: Elliot C. Brown , Fatma Keskin Krzan , Gokcer Eskikurt , Cumhur Tas

Konular:-

DOI:10.5455/JNBS.1533938757

Anahtar Kelimeler:-

Özet: In social interactions, the values we associate with observed actions can influence how we process others’ behaviors and the decisions we make. Some studies have suggested that different social contexts, and particularly the reward value of perceived actions can modulate motor system activity when observing others’ actions. However, sensitivity to reward magnitude has never been tested in the action observation system. Here we used electroencephalography (EEG) to investigate the independent effects of reward valence and magnitude on the mu rhythm, an index of the motor mirror system, while participants (N=23) passively observed actions that led to high or low rewards or losses. Behavioral measures of social approach/avoidance, theory of mind and empathy were also taken. Results showed that reward valence significantly modulated mu rhythm, where losses led to greater mu suppression, but reward magnitude had no effect. The findings also demonstrated a novel association between the specific reward-related modulation of the mu rhythm and social cognitive skills, particularly cognitive empathy and emotional reactivity. This study provides further evidence for the role of reward processing in the mirror motor system, and highlights the relationship between value-based action perception and social cognitive traits, implicating a role for the mirror system in social decision-making.

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