The effect of perspective and content on brain activation during mentalizing in young females

K. Veroude*, E.H.H. Keulers, E.A.T. Evers, P.L.J. Stiers, A.C. Krabbendam, J. Jolles

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

In the present functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study, we investigated the role of different brain regions in separate aspects of mentalizing. Young females aged 18-19 years were asked to imagine a social situation and answer a question. Perspective, self and other, as well as content, emotion, and behavior, were varied. Activation was observed in the left precuneus, left temporoparietal junction, left medial prefrontal cortex and left middle temporal gyrus. Left precuneus and left temporoparietal junction were recruited more when taking the perspective of other than when taking the perspective of self. Medial prefrontal areas might be more involved during mentalizing about emotion versus baseline than about behavior versus baseline.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)227-234
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology
Volume34
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2012

Keywords

  • Theory of mind
  • Self
  • Other
  • Emotion
  • Behavior
  • Functional magnetic resonance imaging
  • PREFRONTAL ACTIVITY
  • CLOSE OTHERS
  • MIND
  • SELF
  • REPRESENTATION
  • ADOLESCENCE
  • INTENTIONS
  • CHILDHOOD
  • JUDGMENTS
  • THINKING

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