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Ritchie MB, Compton SAH, Oliver LD, Finger E, Neufeld RWJ, Mitchell DGV. The impact of acute violent videogame exposure on neurocognitive markers of empathic concern. Soc Cogn Affect Neurosci 2024; 19:nsae031. [PMID: 38727544 PMCID: PMC11223611 DOI: 10.1093/scan/nsae031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Research examining the purported association between violent gaming and aggression remains controversial due to concerns related to methodology, unclear neurocognitive mechanisms, and the failure to adequately consider the role of individual differences in susceptibility. To help address these concerns, we used fMRI and an emotional empathy task to examine whether acute and cumulative violent gaming exposure were associated with abnormalities in emotional empathy as a function of trait-empathy. Emotional empathy was targeted given its involvement in regulating not only aggression, but also other important social functions such as compassion and prosocial behaviour. We hypothesized that violent gaming exposure increases the risk of aberrant social behaviour by altering the aversive value of distress cues. Contrary to expectations, neither behavioural ratings nor empathy-related brain activity varied as a function of violent gaming exposure. Notably, however, activation patterns in somatosensory and motor cortices reflected an interaction between violent gaming exposure and trait empathy. Thus, our results are inconsistent with a straightforward relationship between violent gaming exposure and reduced empathy. Furthermore, they highlight the importance of considering both individual differences in susceptibility and other aspects of cognition related to social functioning to best inform public concern regarding safe gaming practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary B Ritchie
- Graduate Program in Clinical Science and Psychopathology, Department of Psychology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
- Brain and Mind Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Shannon A H Compton
- Brain and Mind Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Lindsay D Oliver
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5R0A3, Canada
| | - Elizabeth Finger
- Robarts Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
- Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
- Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON N6C 2R5, Canada
- Parkwood Institute, St. Joseph’s Health Care, London, ON N6C 0A7, Canada
| | - Richard W J Neufeld
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Science, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Derek G V Mitchell
- Brain and Mind Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Science, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
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2
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Maguire K, Warman H, Blumenfeld F, Langdon PE. The relationship between psychopathy and autism: a systematic review and narrative synthesis. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1375170. [PMID: 38600985 PMCID: PMC11004474 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1375170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and methods The aim of this systematic review was to synthesise research examining the relationship between autism and psychopathy to: (a) better understand the relationship between these two constructs, and (b) describe the clinical manifestation of the two when they co-occur. A systematic search of the literature returned 36 studies. Results Across all ages, autistic individuals and those with elevated autistic traits but no autistic diagnoses appeared to have increased callous and unemotional traits or psychopathy relative to the general population. Several studies evidenced that although both constructs are associated with empathetic dysfunction, the underlying mechanisms differ. In adults, psychopathy/psychopathic traits were associated with diminished affective empathy and intact cognitive empathy, whilst the opposite was seen autistic adults and those with elevated autistic traits. In children, those with autistic traits or a diagnosis of autism had diminished cognitive empathy, but not affective empathy, while the relationship between callous and unemotional traits/psychopathy and empathy amongst children was less clear. The co-occurrence of autism and psychopathy was seen to lead to additional empathic and cognitive impairment, but findings were mixed making it challenging to clearly describe the clinical manifestation. Conclusion There remains a paucity of research investigating the interaction between autism and psychopathy and included studies were characterised by multiple measurement difficulties. Attention should be directed toward developing better methods for identifying psychopathic traits in autistic individuals to advance our understanding of the relationship between autism and psychopathy to allow for the development of appropriate care pathways for this population. Systematic review registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=413672, identifier CRD42023413672.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Maguire
- School of Health and Social Care, University of Essex, Colchester, United Kingdom
| | - Hayley Warman
- School of Health and Social Care, University of Essex, Colchester, United Kingdom
| | - Frances Blumenfeld
- School of Health and Social Care, University of Essex, Colchester, United Kingdom
| | - Peter E. Langdon
- Centre for Research in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (CIDD), University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
- Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership National Health Service (NHS) Trust, Coventry, United Kingdom
- Worcestershire Health and Care National Health Service (NHS) Trust, Worcester, United Kingdom
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3
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Nair TK, Waslin SM, Rodrigues GA, Datta S, Moore MT, Brumariu LE. A meta-analytic review of the relations between anxiety and empathy. J Anxiety Disord 2024; 101:102795. [PMID: 38039916 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2023.102795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
Although theory suggests that empathy may signal a risk for anxiety (Tone & Tully, 2014), the relation between these constructs remains unclear due to the lack of a quantitative synthesis of empirical findings. We addressed this question by conducting three meta-analyses assessing anxiety and general, cognitive, and affective empathy (k's = 70-102 samples; N's = 19,410-25,102 participants). Results suggest that anxiety has a small and significant association with general empathy (r = .08). The relation of clinical anxiety with cognitive empathy was significant but very weak (r = -.03), and small for affective empathy (r = .16). Geographic region and the type of cognitive (e.g., perspective taking, fantasy) and affective empathy (e.g., affective resonance, empathic concern) emerged as moderators. Results suggest that anxiety has a weaker association with general empathy but a stronger association with affective empathy in participants from predominantly collectivistic geographic regions. Further, greater anxiety was weakly associated with less perspective-taking and greater fantasy, and anxiety had a more modest association with empathic concern than other types of affective empathy. Targeting affective empathy (e.g., promoting coping strategies when faced with others' distress) in interventions for anxiety may be beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Travis K Nair
- Adelphi University, Gordon F. Derner School of Psychology, 58 Cambridge Ave, Garden City, NY 11530 USA.
| | - Stephanie M Waslin
- Adelphi University, Gordon F. Derner School of Psychology, 58 Cambridge Ave, Garden City, NY 11530 USA
| | - Gabriela A Rodrigues
- Adelphi University, Gordon F. Derner School of Psychology, 58 Cambridge Ave, Garden City, NY 11530 USA
| | - Saumya Datta
- Adelphi University, Gordon F. Derner School of Psychology, 58 Cambridge Ave, Garden City, NY 11530 USA
| | - Michael T Moore
- Adelphi University, Gordon F. Derner School of Psychology, 58 Cambridge Ave, Garden City, NY 11530 USA
| | - Laura E Brumariu
- Adelphi University, Gordon F. Derner School of Psychology, 58 Cambridge Ave, Garden City, NY 11530 USA
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4
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Song Z, Jones A, Corcoran R, Daly N, Abu-Akel A, Gillespie SM. Psychopathic Traits and Theory of Mind Task Performance: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 151:105231. [PMID: 37172923 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
This meta-analysis aims to examine the relationship between psychopathic traits and theory of mind (ToM), which is classically and broadly defined as competency in representing and attributing mental states such as emotions, intentions, and beliefs to others. Our search strategy gathered 142 effect sizes, from 42 studies, with a total sample size of 7463 participants. Random effects models were used to analyze the data. Our findings suggested that psychopathic traits are associated with impaired ToM task performance. This relationship was not moderated by age, population, psychopathy measurement (self-report versus clinical checklist) or conceptualization, or ToM task type (cognitive versus affective). The effect also remained significant after excluding tasks that did not require the participant to 1) mentalize or 2) differentiate self and other perspectives. However, interpersonal/affective traits were associated with a more pronounced impairment in ToM task performance compared to lifestyle/antisocial traits. Future research should investigate the effects of distinct psychopathy facets that will allow for a more precise understanding of the social-cognitive bases of relevant clinical presentations in psychopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaorong Song
- Department of Primary Care and Mental Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom.
| | - Andrew Jones
- Department of Psychology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom.
| | - Rhiannon Corcoran
- Department of Primary Care and Mental Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom.
| | - Natasha Daly
- Department of Primary Care and Mental Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom.
| | - Ahmad Abu-Akel
- Institute of Psychology, University of Lausanne, 1015, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Steven M Gillespie
- Department of Primary Care and Mental Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom.
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No feelings for me, no feelings for you: A meta-analysis on alexithymia and empathy in psychopathy. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2022.111658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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6
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Compton SAH, Ritchie M, Oliver L, Finger E, Mitchell DGV. Dissociable effects of acute versus cumulative violent video game exposure on the action simulation circuit in university students. Soc Neurosci 2022; 17:368-381. [PMID: 35786163 DOI: 10.1080/17470919.2022.2095018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
There is an ongoing debate as to whether violent video game exposure (VGE) has a negative impact on social functioning. This debate continues in part because of methodological concerns and the paucity of identifiable neurocognitive mechanisms. Also, little attention has been given to how specific personality characteristics may influence susceptibility to the purported effects. Using a combined experimental and cross-sectional approach, we examined the impact of VGE on action simulation as a function of trait coldheartedness in a sample of university students. Healthy adults played a violent or nonviolent version of Grand Theft Auto V before completing an fMRI measure of action simulation circuit (ASC) activity. Simulation-related activity was not significantly different between groups; however, greater overall activation was observed in left inferior frontal gyrus for those in the violent condition. Contrary to predictions, no evidence was observed that trait coldheartedness significantly interacts with violent gaming to influence ASC activation. However, prior cumulative VGE was negatively correlated with simulation-related activity in a subsection of the ASC. This study highlights a potential dissociation between the effects of acute versus cumulative violent gaming and may challenge assumptions that the directionality of effects for cross-sectional associations always mirror those of acute exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon A H Compton
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada.,Brain and Mind Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mary Ritchie
- Brain and Mind Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada.,Graduate Program in Clinical Science and Psychopathology, Department of Psychology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lindsay Oliver
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Elizabeth Finger
- Robarts Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada.,Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada.,Parkwood Institute, St. Joseph's Health Care, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Derek G V Mitchell
- Brain and Mind Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Science, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
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7
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Marsh AA. Getting our Affect Together: Shared Representations as the Core of Empathy. EMOTION REVIEW 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/17540739221107029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Empathy is a construct that is notoriously difficult to define. Murphy and colleagues argue for leaning into the construct's inherent fuzziness and reverting to what they term a classical definition informed by the observations of philosophers and clinicians: as a dynamic, “unfolding process of imaginatively experiencing the subjective consciousness of another person, sensing, understanding, and structuring the world as if one were that person.” Although consistent with some historical conceptualizations, this definition risks incorporating so many processes it would make empathy difficult to operationalize or distinguish from any generally socially sensitive interaction. Defining empathy instead as the attempted representation, or simulation, of another's subjective internal experiences (whether sensory, affective, or cognitive) would increase its clarity and empirical utility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail A. Marsh
- Department of Psychology, Georgetown University, Washington DC, USA
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
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8
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Cui F, Huang X, Jing Y, Luo YJ, Liu J, Gu R. How resource sharing resists scarcity: the role of cognitive empathy and its neurobiological mechanisms. Cereb Cortex 2022; 32:5330-5342. [PMID: 35134875 PMCID: PMC9712734 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhac017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Resource scarcity challenges individuals' willingness to share limited resources with other people. Still, lots of field studies and laboratory experiments have shown that sharing behaviors do not disappear under scarcity. Rather, some individuals are willing to share their scarce resources with others in a similar way as when the resource is abundant, which is crucial for the maintenance and development of human society. Here, we designed a novel paradigm in which subjects decided whether (and how much) to share an amount of "relieving resources" for counteracting unpleasant noises, which mimics real-life situations that people cost their own resources to help others escape from adversity. Overall, the robustness of resource sharing under scarcity was positively correlated with individual level of the cognitive component of empathy across two independent experiments. Resource insufficiency modulated the activations of several brain regions (including the TPJ, mPFC, and PCC) as well as the functional connection (from the rTPJ to the mPFC) within the mentalizing brain network, but the modulatory effect decreased as a function of cognitive empathy. We also applied the administration of oxytocin and found significant effects on sharing behavior among individuals with a higher level of cognitive empathy, but not their low-level counterparts. These findings highlight the importance of empathy to resource sharing under scarcity and explain the underlying neurobiological mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Cui
- School of Psychology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China,Center for Brain Disorders and Cognitive Neuroscience, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518061, China
| | - Xiaoxuan Huang
- School of Psychology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Yiming Jing
- CAS Key Laboratory of Behavioral Science, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China,Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yue-jia Luo
- School of Psychology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China,Center for Brain Disorders and Cognitive Neuroscience, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518061, China
| | - Jie Liu
- Corresponding author: CAS Key Laboratory of Behavioral Science, Institute of Psychology, Beijing 100101, China. (RG); Center for Brain Disorders and Cognitive Neuroscience, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518061, China. (JL)
| | - Ruolei Gu
- Corresponding author: CAS Key Laboratory of Behavioral Science, Institute of Psychology, Beijing 100101, China. (RG); Center for Brain Disorders and Cognitive Neuroscience, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518061, China. (JL)
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9
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Olivera-La Rosa A, Villacampa J, Amador O, Corradi G, Munar E, Acosta S, Rosselló J. Implicit Attitudes Toward Violence in a Sample of Adolescent Offenders With Conduct Disorder. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2021; 36:NP1050-NP1063. [PMID: 29294969 DOI: 10.1177/0886260517739287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Few studies have addressed attitudes toward violence in offender populations using implicit measures. The aim of this study is to test whether implicit attitudes toward two types of violence (physical and relational) differ between two groups of adolescent offenders: one group with conduct disorder (CD; n = 36) and the other group without this condition (No-CD; n = 26). We found that adolescent offenders with CD evidenced less negative implicit attitudes toward physical violence than the No-CD group. No differences between groups were observed in the case of relational violence. Our results suggest that CD modulates implicit attitudes toward violence in adolescent offenders and that the influence of CD is stronger in the case of physical rather than relational acts of violence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Olivera-La Rosa
- Universidad Católica Luis Amigó, Medellín, Colombia
- University of the Balearic Islands, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | | | - Omar Amador
- Universidad Católica Luis Amigó, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Guido Corradi
- University of the Balearic Islands, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Enric Munar
- University of the Balearic Islands, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Sergio Acosta
- Instituto Psicoeducativo de Colombia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Jaume Rosselló
- University of the Balearic Islands, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
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10
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Attentional control both helps and harms empathy. Cognition 2021; 206:104505. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cognition.2020.104505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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11
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Zhao X, Li X, Song Y, Shi W. Autistic Traits and Prosocial Behaviour in the General Population: Test of the Mediating Effects of Trait Empathy and State Empathic Concern. J Autism Dev Disord 2019; 49:3925-3938. [PMID: 30203310 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-018-3745-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Although the core characteristics associated with autistic traits are impaired social interactions, there are few studies examining how autistic traits translate into prosocial behaviour in daily life. The current study explored the effect of autistic traits on prosocial behaviour and the mediating role of multimodal empathy (trait empathy and state empathic concern). The results showed that autistic traits reduced prosocial behaviour directly and indirectly through complex mediation by multimodal empathy. The findings revealed the internal mechanism of autistic traits impeding prosocial behaviour and expanded our understandings of social behaviour in autism spectrum conditions (ASCs) and autistic traits in the general population. Furthermore, the results have implications for social adaptability interventions for individuals with ASCs and high levels of autistic traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xudong Zhao
- Department of Psychology, School of Education, Shanghai Normal University, No. 100, Guilin Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiujun Li
- School of Psychology and Cognitive Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Youming Song
- Department of Psychology, School of Education, Shanghai Normal University, No. 100, Guilin Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Wendian Shi
- Department of Psychology, School of Education, Shanghai Normal University, No. 100, Guilin Road, Shanghai, China.
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12
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Song Y, Nie T, Shi W, Zhao X, Yang Y. Empathy Impairment in Individuals With Autism Spectrum Conditions From a Multidimensional Perspective: A Meta-Analysis. Front Psychol 2019; 10:1902. [PMID: 31649570 PMCID: PMC6794557 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Although empathy has always been considered to be impaired in individuals with autism spectrum conditions (ASCs), the relevant findings have been inconsistent. The present meta-analysis aims to determine which empathy components are impaired and how culture, gender, and age moderate such empathy impairment. Methods: By using “Autism,” “Asperger Syndrome,” “Empathy,” and related Chinese synonyms as keywords, we searched the databases of Weipu, Wanfang, CNKI, Web of Science, Science Direct, SpringerLink, and Elsevier through “subject” and “keyword” searches. We also conducted a manual search according to the references. In total, 51 studies from Eastern and Western countries were included in this meta-analysis, which comprised 144 independent effects, 2,095 individuals with ASCs and 2,869 controls without ASCs. For the retrieved data, Hedge's g was taken as the quantitative measure of effect, and CMA V2.0 software was used for publication bias tests (by using Rosenthal's Classic Failsafe-N and Egger's methods), heterogeneity tests (by using a Q-test, I2-test, and H-test) and a moderating effect test (by using a univariate regression model). Results: The results showed that the empathy impairment evident in individuals with ASCs is component specific; that is, trait-cognitive empathy, trait-empathic concern, state-cognitive empathy, and state-empathic concern are impaired, whereas state-empathic accuracy remains intact, and trait-empathic accuracy is superior to the trait-empathic accuracy in neurotypical individuals. The univariate regression model showed that gender moderates the impairment of the trait-empathic concern, trait-empathic accuracy, and state-cognitive empathy in autistic individuals and that age moderates the impairment of the trait-cognitive empathy, trait-empathic accuracy, state-empathic concern, and state-empathic accuracy in autistic individuals. However, culture does not moderate any empathy components (trait-cognitive empathy, trait-empathic concern, or state-cognitive empathy) involved in the present meta-analysis. Conclusions: These findings contribute to ending the controversy over the empathic integrity of individuals with ASCs and shed some light on future research about the empathy impairment of autistic individuals. More specifically, subsequent studies should distinguish specific empathy components and consider the role of gender and age when demonstrating empathy impairment in individuals with ASCs. Moreover, related studies based on Asian collectivist cultural samples and female samples should be further enriched.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youming Song
- Department of Psychology, School of Education, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tingting Nie
- Department of Psychology, School of Education, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wendian Shi
- Department of Psychology, School of Education, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xudong Zhao
- Department of Psychology, School of Education, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongyong Yang
- Department of Psychology, School of Education, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai, China
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13
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Bi XA, Chen J, Sun Q, Liu Y, Wang Y, Luo X. Analysis of Asperger Syndrome Using Genetic-Evolutionary Random Support Vector Machine Cluster. Front Physiol 2018; 9:1646. [PMID: 30524309 PMCID: PMC6262410 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.01646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Asperger syndrome (AS) is subtype of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Diagnosis and pathological analysis of AS through resting-state fMRI data is one of the hot topics in brain science. We employed a new model called the genetic-evolutionary random Support Vector Machine cluster (GE-RSVMC) to classify AS and normal people, and search for lesions. The model innovatively integrates the methods of the cluster and genetic evolution to improve the performance of the model. We randomly selected samples and sample features to construct GE-RSVMC, and then used the cluster to classify and extract lesions according to classification results. The model was validated by data of 157 participants (86 AS and 71 health controls) in ABIDE database. The classification accuracy of the model reached to 97.5% and we discovered the brain regions with significant differences, such as the Angular gyrus (ANG.R), Precuneus (PCUN.R), Caudate nucleus (CAU.R), Cuneus (CUN.R) and so on. Our method provides a new perspective for the diagnosis and treatment of AS, and a universal framework for other brain science research as the model has excellent generalization performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia-An Bi
- College of Information Science and Engineering, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Jie Chen
- College of Information Science and Engineering, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Qi Sun
- College of Information Science and Engineering, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Yingchao Liu
- College of Information Science and Engineering, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Yang Wang
- College of Information Science and Engineering, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Xianhao Luo
- College of Information Science and Engineering, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
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Highhouse S, Nye CD, Zhang DC. Dark Motives and Elective Use of Brainteaser Interview Questions. APPLIED PSYCHOLOGY-AN INTERNATIONAL REVIEW-PSYCHOLOGIE APPLIQUEE-REVUE INTERNATIONALE 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/apps.12163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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15
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Olivera-La Rosa A. Wrong outside, wrong inside: A social functionalist approach to the uncanny feeling. NEW IDEAS IN PSYCHOLOGY 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.newideapsych.2018.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
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16
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Foell J, Brislin SJ, Drislane LE, Dziobek I, Patrick CJ. Creation and Validation of an English-Language Version of the Multifaceted Empathy Test (MET). JOURNAL OF PSYCHOPATHOLOGY AND BEHAVIORAL ASSESSMENT 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s10862-018-9664-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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Psychopathic Traits in Adolescence: the Importance of Examining Components in Face Processing, Voice Processing, and Emotional Skill. JOURNAL OF PSYCHOPATHOLOGY AND BEHAVIORAL ASSESSMENT 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s10862-018-9656-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Pajevic M, Vukosavljevic-Gvozden T, Stevanovic N, Neumann CS. The relationship between the Dark Tetrad and a two-dimensional view of empathy. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2017.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
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Beussink CN, Hackney AA, Vitacco MJ. The effects of perspective taking on empathy-related responses for college students higher in callous traits. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2017.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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Reduced emotional empathy in adults with subclinical ADHD: evidence from the empathy and systemizing quotient. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 10:141-150. [PMID: 28836147 PMCID: PMC5973978 DOI: 10.1007/s12402-017-0236-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2017] [Accepted: 08/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Studies in children with ADHD suggest impairments in social cognitive functions, whereas studies in adults with ADHD are scarce and inconclusive. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between ADHD traits and self-reported social cognitive style in a sample of adults from the general population. For this purpose, a community sample of 685 adults filled out online self-report questionnaires about ADHD symptoms (ADHD Rating Scale, ARS), social cognitive functioning and friendships. The Empathy Quotient (EQ) with the subscales Cognitive Empathy (CE), Emotional Empathy (EE) and Social Skills (SS), and the Systemizing Quotient (SQ) were included for measuring social cognitive style and the Friendship Questionnaire (FQ) for the quality of friendships. Participants who met the DSM-5 criteria on the ARS (‘subclinical ADHD’; n = 56) were compared regarding their social cognitive functioning scores with a control group (n = 56) that was matched for age, sex and student status. With small effect sizes, the subclinical ADHD group showed reduced EE scores on the EQ and a more male social cognitive profile. This result was not influenced by sex or ADHD subtype. This study points to a relationship between traits of ADHD and the emotional aspect of empathy, whereas more complex aspects of empathy were unrelated. These findings should be corroborated in clinical patients with ADHD, employing neuropsychological tests rather than self-report questionnaires.
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