Neural activity associated with self, other, and object-based counterfactual thinking.

ABSTRACT: Previous research has shown that autobiographical episodic counterfactual thinking-i.e., mental simulations about alternative ways in which one's life experiences could have occurred-engages the brain's default network (DN). However, it remains unknown whether or not the DN is also engaged during impersonal counterfactual thoughts, specifically those involving other people or objects. The current study compares brain activity during counterfactual simulations involving the self, others and objects. In addition, counterfactual thoughts involving others were manipulated in terms of similarity and familiarity with the simulated characters. The results indicate greater involvement of DN during person-based (i.e., self and other) as opposed to object-based counterfactual simulations. However, t

SUBMITTER: De Brigard F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4710471 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature