I am happy for us: Neural processing of vicarious joy when winning for parents versus strangers.

ABSTRACT: This study investigated the neural processes underlying vicarious joy and their dependence on emotional closeness. Prior studies revealed that the nucleus accumbens (NAcc) is a target brain region for processing rewards for self, but the neural mechanisms of processing rewards for others are not yet well understood. A functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) paradigm was employed in young adults (N = 30), in combination with a self-report questionnaire on the perceived emotional closeness to the target. We examined the neural correlates of vicarious rewards when winning money for oneself or one of three other targets. To examine family relationships, two of the targets were the mother and father of the participants, and the third target was an unknown stranger. We found an increase in

SUBMITTER: Brandner P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7716820 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature