Investigation of biomarker for empathic attitude and its effectiveness in counseling situations
Japan Society for the Promotion of Science:Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research
Date (from‐to) : 2016/04 -2018/03
Author : Kawamichi Hiroaki; KOIKE TAKAHIKO; OGINO YUICHI
Empathic attitude is defined as understanding others’ emotional states leading to displaying acceptance behavior toward them, thus, is one of major technique of counseling. We conducted dual-fMRI experiments in which 10 same gender pair (20 participants) conducting opinion disclosure paradigm for investigating biomarker of empathic attitude. In the present study, we utilized perceived familiarity change as indirect measure of effective empathic attitude. As a result, we found enhanced functional connectivity between the right inferior frontal area and the right temporoparietal junction. Furthermore, we conducted resting state fMRI of 21 medical employees, who were required to exhibit empathic attitude in interactions with patients. As a result, we found decreased functional connectivity between the right frontal pole and striatum. Taken together, we showed that functional connectivity from frontal regions to other brain regions is possible biomarker of effective empathic attitude.