Submission Type
Poster
Abstract
Resting state activity has been shown to be correlated with variations in trait empathy, and has also been demonstrated to predict symptomatology. Our study investigates how differences in resting state neural activity predict concurrent neural activity during cognitive tasks involved in empathy processing, as well as how this relationship correlates to well-being. Using functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), we monitored blood oxygen levels in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex during a resting state condition and while participants performed two empathy-related tasks. Resting state neural activity was measured by having participants look at a static fixation cross on a screen in front of them for 2 minutes while being monitored by the fNIRS device. Next, two tasks – theFrith-Happé Animations and the EU-Emotional Stimulus Set –were administered to assess empathy processing.We expect to find two primary groups of elevated and non-elevated activity within the resting state condition. Prior studies suggest that elevated resting state activation indicates hypervigilance that may have cognitive and emotional costs. The current study aims to investigate if this activated group shows heterogeneity in brain activation during empathy-related tasks, and if this variance predicts differing levels of symptoms. We anticipate that some individuals starting in an overly primed state may be able to modulate activation in response to specific task demands, correlating with better outcomes in empathy processing and mental health. Conversely, some initially overactivated may remain vigilant, resulting in less optimal outcomes. The ability to reduce unnecessary activation and appropriately allocate resources may be advantageous.
Recommended Citation
Fitting, Michelle, "235-Resting State Neural Activity Predicting Psychopathology and Neural Efficiency during Empathy Processing Tasks" (2024). GREAT Day Posters. 63.
https://knightscholar.geneseo.edu/great-day-symposium/great-day-2024/posters-2024/63
235-Resting State Neural Activity Predicting Psychopathology and Neural Efficiency during Empathy Processing Tasks
Resting state activity has been shown to be correlated with variations in trait empathy, and has also been demonstrated to predict symptomatology. Our study investigates how differences in resting state neural activity predict concurrent neural activity during cognitive tasks involved in empathy processing, as well as how this relationship correlates to well-being. Using functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), we monitored blood oxygen levels in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex during a resting state condition and while participants performed two empathy-related tasks. Resting state neural activity was measured by having participants look at a static fixation cross on a screen in front of them for 2 minutes while being monitored by the fNIRS device. Next, two tasks – theFrith-Happé Animations and the EU-Emotional Stimulus Set –were administered to assess empathy processing.We expect to find two primary groups of elevated and non-elevated activity within the resting state condition. Prior studies suggest that elevated resting state activation indicates hypervigilance that may have cognitive and emotional costs. The current study aims to investigate if this activated group shows heterogeneity in brain activation during empathy-related tasks, and if this variance predicts differing levels of symptoms. We anticipate that some individuals starting in an overly primed state may be able to modulate activation in response to specific task demands, correlating with better outcomes in empathy processing and mental health. Conversely, some initially overactivated may remain vigilant, resulting in less optimal outcomes. The ability to reduce unnecessary activation and appropriately allocate resources may be advantageous.