Revealing the neural networks associated with processing of natural social interaction and the related effects of actor-orientation and face-visibility.

ABSTRACT: Understanding the intentions and desires of those around us is vital for adapting to a dynamic social environment. In this paper, a novel event-related functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) paradigm with dynamic and natural stimuli (2s video clips) was developed to directly examine the neural networks associated with processing of gestures with social intent as compared to nonsocial intent. When comparing social to nonsocial gestures, increased activation in both the mentalizing (or theory of mind) and amygdala networks was found. As a secondary aim, a factor of actor-orientation was included in the paradigm to examine how the neural mechanisms differ with respect to personal engagement during a social interaction versus passively observing an interaction. Activity in the lateral oc

SUBMITTER: Saggar M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3903510 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature