Shared and distinct functional networks for empathy and pain processing: a systematic review and meta-analysis of fMRI studies.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Empathy for pain is a complex phenomenon incorporating sensory, cognitive and affective processes. Functional neuroimaging studies indicate a rich network of brain activations for empathic processing. However, previous research focused on core activations in bilateral anterior insula (AI) and anterior cingulate/anterior midcingulate cortex (ACC/aMCC) which are also typically present during nociceptive (pain) processing. Theoretical understanding of empathy would benefit from empirical investigation of shared and contrasting brain activations for empathic and nociceptive processing.

Method

Thirty-nine empathy for observed pain studies (1112 participants; 527 foci) were selected by systematic review. Coordinate based meta-analysis (activation likelihood estimation)

SUBMITTER: Fallon N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7511882 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature