Exploring the neural mechanisms underlying cooperation and competition behavior: Insights from stereo-electroencephalography hyperscanning.

ABSTRACT: Cooperation and competition are essential social behaviors in human society. This study utilized hyperscanning and stereo-electroencephalography (SEEG) to investigate intra- and inter-brain neural dynamics underlying these behaviors within the insula and inferior frontal gyrus (IFG), regions critical for executive function and mentalizing. We found distinct high-gamma responses and connectivity patterns, with a stronger influence from IFG to insula during competition and more balanced interactions during cooperation. Inter-brain synchronization shows significantly higher insula gamma synchronization during competition and higher IFG gamma synchronization during cooperation. Cross-frequency coupling suggests that these gamma synchronizations result from intra- and inter-brain interactions.

SUBMITTER: Qiao X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11787601 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature