Interoception as a social alarm amplification system. What multimethod (EEG-fNIRS) integrated measures can tell us about interoception and empathy for pain?
Michela Balconi, Laura Angioletti
Abstract
We examined whether the modulation of Interoceptive Attentiveness (IA) influences the cortical correlates of observation of pain in others. Healthy participants observed painful/non-painful stimuli while brain response [oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin (O2Hb; HHb), and electroencephalographic cortical oscillations] was measured. Participants were divided into experimental (EXP) and control group: EXP group was required to focus on its interoceptive correlates during the task. Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI) scale was administered to test empathic traits. Focusing on prefrontal cortex activity, theta band and O2Hb in the right frontal hemisphere while observing painful stimuli positively correlates in the EXP. Delta band and O2Hb in left frontal hemisphere for non-painful stimuli positively correlates in controls. IRI (Perspective Taking and Empathic Concern subscales) and right frontal activity for painful stimuli negatively correlates in the EXP. Findings were discussed in light of the modulating role of IA in enhancing the negative experience of observing pain in others.