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Empathic Modeling Hypothesis: Neural Correlates of Contagious Yawning

This study explores how seeing someone yawn activates brain regions linked to interpersonal mentality. Using fMRI, the researchers compare responses to yawning and laughing videos to test the Empathic Modeling Hypothesis. Results suggest unique neural substrates activated during contagious yawning.

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Empathic Modeling Hypothesis: Neural Correlates of Contagious Yawning

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  1. Contagious yawning and the brainSteven M. Platek, Feroze B. Mohamed, Gordon G. Gallup Jr.A summary by Erica Hunter

  2. Background • Empathic modeling hypothesis • Primitive expression of cognitive processes involved in self awareness and theory of mind • Seeing someone yawn activates a system that is also involved in consciously modeling other aspects of interpersonal mentality. • Innate mirror neuron system • Automatically synchronizing own behaviours with others’ How to test these? - Explore the neural correlates of contagious yawning when compared to laughing!

  3. Hypothesis • Viewing someone yawn will result in significant activation in right prefrontal substrates and midline cortical structures

  4. Experimental Design • Use fMRI to measure BOLD responses while volunteers watch and respond to videos of people yawning and laughing. • Compare BOLD responses • Yawn vs laugh; laugh vs yawn • Yawn vs baseline; laugh vs baseline Laughing = control (similar face and mouth movements; also contagious)

  5. Results and Discussion When contrasting yawn minus laugh… • Unique neural substrates • Bilateral posterior cingulate & precuneus • Self-referent processing • Retrieval of autobiographical memories Supports EMPATHIC MODELING HYPOTHESIS!

  6. Weaknesses and Confounds • Small sample size • Volunteer college students The next step: Toddlers and contagious yawning - Why not?

  7. References • Platek, S. M., Mohamed, F. B., Gallup, G. G. Jr. (2005) Contagious yawning and the brain. Cognitive Brain Research, 23: 448-452. Doi: • Anderson, J. R. and Meno, P. (2003) Psychological influences on yawning in children. Behaviour, Brain, and Cognition, 11(2): 2-7. Retrieved from http://cpl.revues.org/index390.html

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