Remember as we empathize. Do brain mechanisms engaged in autobiographical memory retrieval causally affect empathy awareness? A combined TMS and EEG registered report. Issue 10 (29th June 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Meconi, Federica; Hodsoll, John; Smullen, Daniel; Degano, Giulio; Di Lello, Nicolò; Miniussi, Carlo; Avenanti, Alessio; Mevorach, Carmel
• Other Names: Johnson Elizabeth guestEditor.; Jones Kevin guestEditor.
• Is Part Of: Journal of neuroscience research. Volume 99:Issue 10(2021)
• Page Start: 2377
• Page End: 2389
• Publication Date: 2021-06-29
• Subjects: electroencephalography -- empathy -- episodic memory -- transcranial magnetic stimulation; Neurobiology -- Periodicals; 612
• DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24906
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-4012

Abstract

Abstract: Social interactions are partly driven by our ability to empathize—the capacity to share and understand others' inner states. While a growing body of evidence suggests a link between past experiences and empathy, to what degree empathy is dependent on our own previous experiences (autobiographical memories, AMs) is still unclear. Whereas neuroimaging studies have shown wide overlapping brain networks underpinning AM and empathic processes, studies on clinical populations with memory loss have not always shown empathy is impaired. The current transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and electroencephalography study will seek to shed light on this neuropsychological puzzle by testing whether self‐perceived empathy is causally linked to AM retrieval. Cortical activity, together with self‐rating of empathy, will be recorded for scenarios that echo personal experiences while a brain region critical for AM retrieval will be transiently inhibited using TMS before task performance.