Neuroimaging reveals people experience a diminished neural response in the anterior cingulate cortex when shown images of others with facial disfigurements. A similar response is also seen when people view other stigmatized people, such as those who are homeless. The diminished activity may explain why people are less empathetic toward those who have facial disfigurements and may help explain the underlying neural mechanism for dehumanization.
Study reports the anterior cingulate cortex of rats contain mirror neurons that respond to pain experienced by and observations of others.
Children as young as 6 months can show empathy for victims. The findings debunk the theory that the ability to empathize only develops after one year of age.
Neuroimaging study reveals those with psychopathy have a 10% larger striatum than non-psychopaths. Researchers say the increased size of the striatum, a brain area associated with cognitive and social functions, may account for a higher likelihood of impulsive behaviors and increased need for stimulation often associated with psychopathy. Additionally, researchers suggest there may be an element of heredity in the neural anatomy, adding support to the neurodevelopmental perspective of psychopathy.
Children who experience the death of a pet may experience long-lasting and profound grief, which could lead to subsequent mental health problems. Researchers found strong emotional attachment to a pet may result in measurable psychological distress that serves as an indicator of depression in children and adolescents for three years or more after their animal dies.
Neuroimaging study reveals structural and functional differences in brain areas associated with emotional regulation in those with personality traits linked to psychopathy or antisocial personality disorder.
Researchers use neuroimaging to identify brain patters associated with feelings of empathy that are predictable and consistent across individuals.
A new study reveals over the counter pain killers may negatively influence information processing and emotional response.
Higher levels of critical thinking is associated with lower levels of dogmatism in both the religious and non-religious. Those who are most dogmatic are less likely to be able to look at issues from the perspective of others, a new study reports.
A new study report on how brain connectivity reveals our hidden motives.
A new study reveals compassion meditation training may reduce distress when witnessing the suffering of others and improve the ability to respond with compassion.
Researchers investigate mentalizing, or how we are able to understand what another person is thinking, and how this process differs from empathy.