202403.25
Can the brain explain sociality changes due to infection threat? (Poster Presentation)
Posted in RESEARCH
The behavioral immune system hypothesis, which elucidates the relationship between infection perception and social orientation, plays a crucial role in understanding the relation among individual, society, and culture. Previous studies with behavioral experiements have highlighted this relationship, yet the neural underpinnings that drive these behavioral changes remain unclear. In this study, our goal was to uncover the neural basis underlying social changes triggered by perceived infection threats, employing functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI). We manipulated participants' perceptions of infection using image stimuli. Subsequently, participants completed questionnaires measuring collectivism before and after the manipulation. We then analyzed brain regions that could explain variations in questionnaire scores. Our findings indicated that the insular and anterior cingulate cortices (ACC) were significantly associated with shifts in collectivism.
We presented these findings in a poster session at the "2024 Society for Social Neuroscience", held in Tsukuba, Japan, from March 25 to 28. It was an enriching experience to engage in face-to-face discussions about our research with both local and international researchers and to explore opportunities for future collaborations. (Choi)
The behavioral immune system hypothesis, which elucidates the relationship between infection perception and social orientation, plays a crucial role in understanding the relation among individual, society, and culture. Previous studies with behavioral experiements have highlighted this relationship, yet the neural underpinnings that drive these behavioral changes remain unclear. In this study, our goal was to uncover the neural basis underlying social changes triggered by perceived infection threats, employing functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI). We manipulated participants' perceptions of infection using image stimuli. Subsequently, participants completed questionnaires measuring collectivism before and after the manipulation. We then analyzed brain regions that could explain variations in questionnaire scores. Our findings indicated that the insular and anterior cingulate cortices (ACC) were significantly associated with shifts in collectivism.
We presented these findings in a poster session at the "2024 Society for Social Neuroscience", held in Tsukuba, Japan, from March 25 to 28. It was an enriching experience to engage in face-to-face discussions about our research with both local and international researchers and to explore opportunities for future collaborations. (Choi)