Relationship between Salivary Oxytocin Levels and Generosity in Preschoolers

This study examined the association between salivary oxytocin (sOT) levels and generosity in preschoolers. Fifty preschoolers played two dictator games (DG) by deciding how to allocate 10 chocolates between themselves and another child, who was either from the same class as the participant (ingroup member), or an unknown child from another class (outgroup member). sOT levels were assessed in saliva collected from the children immediately prior to the DG tasks. While sOT levels were negatively associated with allocations made to both ingroup and outgroup members by boys, among girl sOT levels were positively related to allocations made to ingroup members, and unrelated to allocations made to outgroup members. These results suggest sex differences in the association between salivary oxytocin and generosity

State of the Science: Implicit Bias Review 2017

The release of the 2017 State of the Science: Implicit Bias Review comes at a very important time. More than ever, Kirwan and our partners in equity work can see the importance of how we shape the narrative of race and equity in this country. For the last five years, the State of the Science has been one of the ways that we have been able to add depth to this often one-sided narrative, by pointing to the complex underpinnings of how peoples' conception of race influences our perceptions, thoughts, and relationships.This edition of the State of the Science: Implicit Bias Review was originally conceived as a way for Kirwan to get a better understanding on what was still an emerging topic. Five years ago, we could not have imagined how many of our partners would also be interested in this resource as a way to help broaden the national discussion on racial equity. Kirwan is delighted to be able to share this work with legal professionals, non-profit leaders, civil rights activists, doctors, teachers, and everyone in between.This release is a shining example of the tremendous effort and dedication of our Race and Cognition Program to living out Kirwan's mission. The positive acclaim for this publication and its impact on addressing real world inequities continues to make the Kirwan Institute proud. At such an important milestone, it is not only important to celebrate the impact of our work, but we must also look to the future to ensure that the implicit bias research will continue to help us all build a more equitable and inclusive world

Les fondements génétiques de la représentation des actions d'autrui

Au cours des dernières années, plusieurs questions furent soulevées par la découverte d’un système neuronal permettant la mise en correspondance des représentations visuelles et motrices d’une même action lors de l’observation d’actions. Plus particulièrement, de quelle façon ce système acquiert-il cette intrigante propriété et quelle fonction remplie-t-il? Les perspectives théoriques actuelles proposent que le développement de ce système, appelé le système des neurones miroirs (SNM), soit régulé à la fois par des facteurs génétiques et par l’apprentissage associatif afin de faciliter des processus de cognition sociale de plus haut niveau, tel que l’empathie. Notons que jusqu’à présent, aucun facteur génétique n’a pu être associé au développement et au fonctionnement de ce système. La présente thèse propose d’évaluer l’influence d’une variation génétique sur l’activité et le fonctionnement du SNM, le polymorphisme Val66Met du Facteur neurotrophique dérivé du cerveau (Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor; BDNF). Ce facteur génétique fut notamment associé à l’apprentissage moteur et à l’adaptation visuomotrice dans certaine région du système. Les résultats de la présente thèse indiquent que le polymorphisme Val66Met du BDNF influence la réponse du SNM lors de l’observation d’actions. Cette influence serait possiblement opérée par l’action du polymorphisme sur l’apprentissage associatif, lui-même influencé par ce facteur génétique (Article 1). De plus, les résultats obtenus indiquent une association entre ce polymorphisme et l’empathie autorapportée qui ne peut être attribuable à d’autres facteurs génétiques préalablement associés à cette mesure (Article 2). Ces observations ont inspiré la proposition d’une nouvelle approche psychophysique permettant d’offrir une alternative aux méthodes actuelles visant l’étude des interactions gène-gène et gène-environnement en neuroimagerie génétique (Article 3). Les résultats présentés constituent la première démonstration empirique de l’influence d’un facteur génétique sur l’apprentissage et le fonctionnement du SNM. Bien que ce facteur génétique puisse moduler le SNM et l’empathie autorapportée, les résultats obtenus ne permettent toutefois pas de statuer sur le lien direct entre ces deux phénotypes fréquemment associés dans la littérature. Cette contribution scientifique permet l’avancée de la compréhension du système des neurones miroirs, un système ayant été grandement étudié pour son rôle dans des psychopathologies associées à des symptômes sociaux cognitifs telles que la schizophrénie.Many questions were raised by the discovery of the mirror neuron system (MNS), a neural system involves in the transformation of visual representations of action into fined-grained changes in the motor system during action observation. Notably, how does this system acquire this property and what is its function? Contemporary perspectives propose that the MNS might be regulated both by genetics and associative learning in order to facilitate higher-order social cognitive processes, such as empathy. Although, so far, no genetic variant was directly or indirectly associated to the development or to the function of this system. This dissertation aims at determining the influence of a specific genetic variant, the polymorphism Val66Met of the Brain-derived Neurotrophic factor (BDNF), on the activity and the function of the system. This genetic variant has previously been associated to motor learning and to visuomotor adaptation in regions of the mirror system. The results indicate that the BDNF val66Met polymorphism influences the response of the MNS during action observation. More precisely, this effect might be confered throught the action of the polymorphism on visuomotor associative learning (Article 1). Moreover, the results indicate an association between this polymorphism and self-reported empathy that cannot be explained by two other genetic variants commonly associated with this measure (Article 2). These observations led to the propostion of a new psychophysical conceptualisation of the effect of genetic variants in genetic neuroimaging that could facilitate the study of the complex gene-by-gene and gene-by-environement interactions in the field (Article 3). These results represent the first empirical evidence suggesting an influence of a specific genetic variant on the activity and function of the MNS. Our results do not indicate a direct link between the MNS and self-reported empathy, but indicate independent influences of the BDNF Val66Met on both phenotypes. This scientific contribution furthers our understanding of the mirror neuron system, a system widely studied for its role in psychopathologies linked to social cognitive symptoms such as schizophrenia

African American Women Managers\u27 Experiences in Predominantly Black Work Environments

The experiences of African American women managers in predominantly Black work environments and the implication of these experiences on their ability to lead remains unknown. The purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to gain deeper understanding of the leadership experiences of African American women managers employed in predominantly Black work environments. This study was framed by three key concepts: intersectionality of gender and race, intraracial discrimination, and colorism. The trustworthiness of the study\u27s data was supported by employing methodological triangulation of the study\u27s multiple data sources: semistructured interviews with 10 African American women managers as participants, journaling/ reflective field notes, and archival data. Cross case analysis revealed 8 categories that enclose a total of twelve themes: (a) career trajectory of African American woman manager, (b) gender challenges in a predominantly Black enterprise, (c) race challenges in a predominantly Black enterprise, (d) leadership experiences with subordinates informed by gender and race, (e) further career goals as an African American woman manager, (f) colorism in childhood and adolescence, (g) colorism in daily adult experiences, and (h) intraracial discrimination from subordinates based on skin tone. This study is likely to promote social change by sensitizing predominantly Black work environments on issues of equal treatment between gender groups and ways in which an intraracial context influences African American women\u27s management experiences

Social cognition in older adults: Associations with ageing, general cognition, and genetic, neuroimaging, and socioenvironmental factors

Social cognition refers to the range of skills and abilities that enable humans to detect and process information from one’s social environment, formulate a mental understanding of one’s social situation, and behave in socially appropriate ways. These include abilities such as theory of mind (ToM; also referred to as cognitive empathy), affective empathy, and social perception, as well as social behaviour. A growing body of research has sought to gain an understanding of how these phenomena manifest in the ageing process, as opposed to younger adults. The general aim of this thesis was to study the changes in social cognition with ageing, examine its relationship with other cognitive functions, and determine its association with genetic, neuroanatomical, and socioenvironmental factors. The first study explored the effect of polymorphisms of the oxytocin receptor gene on empathy using meta-analysis of existing studies including novel data from the Sydney Memory and Ageing Study (Sydney MAS). The second study developed a short-form version of the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test (RMET), an assessment for theory of mind, via machine learning algorithms using Sydney MAS data. The third study explored social cognitive performance in Sydney MAS participants with subjective cognitive decline, mild cognitive impairment, and dementia. The fourth study identified key neuroimaging regions associated with empathy using volumetric analysis. The fifth study comprehensively indexed social cognition in nondemented community-dwelling older adults, and identified which subdomains were related to the ageing process and to other factors. This thesis found that normal ageing saw mild changes in ToM and social perception, and executive function somewhat compensated for this performance. Neurocognitive disorders were associated with far-reaching changes in these subdomains and some changes in social behavior. Empathy was related to volumes of the insula, supramarginal gyrus, and frontal lobe small vessel disease, and was not related to genetic sensitivity to oxytocin. A short-form version of the RMET was also developed. These findings improve on the understanding of social cognitive abilities in older adults, and facilitate the adoption of social cognition measures in clinical settings involving older adults

An exploration into what works in effectively engaging young adult offenders in probation supervision: practitioners and probationers perspectives

This research explores how probation practitioners might better engage young adult offenders in order to help prevent them from re-offending. While male adults between 18 and 25 comprise around 10% of the population in England and Wales, they account for up to 40% of UK crime (House of Common Justice Committee, 2018). Evidence shows that rehabilitative interventions, rather than punishment, are generally more effective in helping offenders (including young offenders) desist from crime (Chan, 1995; Jones, & Weatherburn, 2011; MacKenzie, 2002; Monarski, 1987; Productivity Commission, 2011; Nagin et al. 2009; Weston, 2016; Nagin, D.S., Piquero, Scott, & Steinberg, 2006). Young offenders who are meaningfully engaged by probation practitioners, and who actively participate in appropriate behaviour-modification interventions, are more likely to achieve long-term positive change (Henry, Henaghan, Sanders, & Munford,2015; MOJ, 2019b: Prior, & Mason, 2010). As a significant proportion of young adult male offenders are subject to probation supervision, it would help if more positive forms of intervention for probation officers were developed. This research comprised two qualitative studies involving 15 male offenders and 15 probation officers, focusing on participants’ experiences and their perspectives on what constitutes effective engagement between young adult offenders and probation practitioners. Interviews were semi-structured and were carried out both individually and face to face. Data was transcribed verbatim and subjected to thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2006, 2013). Main themes included the importance of probation officers having in-depth knowledge about offenders as individuals, being able to communicate with them, being effective motivators, and being trustworthy. Probation officers emphasised the importance of collaboratively engaging with young offenders’ families and situations, and both groups highlighted officers’ personal characteristics. Trauma was a significant issue for both groups, with officers noting the lack of information and training in this area. Practice implications and proposals are discussed, and recommendations for further research in this area of work are considered

L'interrelation entre l'empathie et la régulation émotionnelle : corrélats neuronaux et autonomiques

L’empathie et la régulation émotionnelle sont des processus vitaux au fonctionnement socioémotionnel sain. Le terme « empathie » réfère à la capacité de partager et comprendre les émotions d’autrui. La régulation émotionnelle se définit quant à elle par la capacité de moduler ses propres états émotionnels. En neurosciences, bien qu’il ait été proposé d’un point de vue théorique que l’empathie et la régulation émotionnelle soient intimement liées, ces deux entités sont actuellement étudiés en vase clos. Par ailleurs, la littérature scientifique regorge d’études en neuro-imagerie fonctionnelle examinant les corrélats cérébraux de l’empathie pour la douleur. Or, l’empathie est une fonction sociale polyvalente se déployant dans une vaste étendue d’interactions socioémotionnelles. Tout comme la régulation émotionnelle, la valence émotionnelle demeure rarement examinée dans le contexte de l’empathie et l’interrelation entre la régulation et la valence émotionnelle est inexplorée. La thèse a pour objectif d’examiner la relation entre l’empathie, la régulation émotionnelle et la valence émotionnelle, de même que les corrélats neurophysiologiques sous-jacents. Un premier article de revue narrative décrit les régions cérébrales clés impliquées dans l’empathie pour la douleur, qui incluent notamment le cortex cingulaire antérieur médian et l’insula antérieure. Cet article a aussi permis de dégager de la littérature des facteurs régulant la réponse cérébrale associés à l’empathie pour la douleur. Ceux-ci incluent différents stimuli visuels, dont des membres du corps en douleur ou des expressions faciales de douleur. Ces derniers influencent les processus perceptuels de régulation. Les instructions offertes aux participants constituent un autre facteur pouvant influencer la réponse cérébrale, notamment leur orientation (vers soi ou vers autrui). Celles-ci influencent les processus cognitifs de régulation. Dans le deuxième article, une méta-analyse quantitative des études en neuroimagerie fonctionnelle sur l’observation de la douleur est présentée. Celle-ci révèle un réseau central d’activation associé à l’empathie pour la douleur (cortex cingulaire antérieur médian, insula antérieure). Ce réseau s’activerait indépendamment des processus perceptuels et cognitifs de régulation. On démontre également que différents processus perceptuels sont associés spécifiquement à des activations dans les régions sensorimotrices (observation de membres du corps en douleur) et à des activations dans une région impliquée dans l’imitation d’action et la communication non-verbale (observation d’expressions faciales de douleur). Différents processus cognitifs de régulation sont associés spécifiquement à l’activation d’une région impliquée dans l’intéroception et la conscience de soi (perspective orientée vers soi) ou à l’activation de régions impliquées dans le réseau attentionnel (perspective orientée vers le stimulus). Dans le but d’examiner expérimentalement l’effet de la régulation émotionnelle sur l’empathie, une étude psychophysiologique a été ensuite menée. Un nouveau paradigme expérimental a été développé. Lors du visionnement de vidéos illustrant des scènes d’interactions socioémotionnelles, des participants étaient invités à réguler leurs émotions par la réévaluation cognitive. L’empathie situationnelle, l’activité électrodermale et cardiaque ont été mesurées. Les résultats démontrent que la régulation émotionnelle module l’empathie situationnelle et qu’elle est associée à une augmentation de la variabilité du rythme cardiaque. Ces résultats suggèrent que la régulation émotionnelle est sous-tendue par l’implication du système parasympathique dans l’empathie. Aussi, l’observation d’émotions positives en comparaison à des émotions négatives est associée à moins d’empathie situationnelle en parallèle à une légère augmentation de la variabilité du rythme cardiaque. Ces résultats suggèrent une plus grande implication des processus de régulation lors de iii l’empathie pour les émotions positives. En somme, cette étude démontre que les processus de régulation dans l’empathie seraient sous-tendus préférentiellement par le système parasympathique. Elle soulève par ailleurs que la valence émotionnelle est un paramètre important à considérer dans l’étude de l’empathie, puisqu’elle influence différemment les réponses subjectives et autonomiques associées. En plus d’offrir une vision plus intégrative de la relation entre l’empathie et la régulation émotionnelle elle soutient empiriquement leur lien. Les données de celle-ci démontrent que l’empathie est un phénomène dynamique pouvant être influencé par les processus perceptuels et cognitifs de régulation, lesquels influenceront différemment la réponse cérébrale et autonomique. En définitive, cette thèse contribuera à développer des modèles plus nuancés reliant l’empathie et la régulation émotionnelle ainsi que les bases neurophysiologiques qui y sont associées.Empathy and emotion regulation are vital processes for healthy socioemotional functioning. Empathy refers to the ability to share and understand others’ emotions while emotion regulation is defined as by the ability to modulate one owns’ emotional state. It is commonly described, from a theoretical perspective, that empathy and emotion regulation are intimately related. However, empathy and emotion regulation have been largely studied separately. In addition, the vast majority of the neuroscience literature on empathy is based on functional neuroimaging studies of vicarious pain. Empathy is although a versatile social function deployed in a large range of socio-emotional interactions. Like emotion regulation, emotional valence is rarely examined in the context of empathy and the relation between emotion regulation and emotional valence during empathy is currently unexplored. The objective of this thesis was to examine the relation between empathy, emotion regulation, and emotional valence, as well as their underlying neurophysiological correlates. In a narrative review article, the key brain regions involved in pain empathy are described, which includes the median anterior cingulate cortex and the anterior insula. In addition, factors that regulate the brain response during pain empathy were pointed out. These included different visual stimuli that regulate differently perceptual processes, such as body parts being submitted to noxious pain or facial expressions of pain. Instructions offered to the participants is also a factor that cognitively regulate the brain response during pain empathy, such as instructions oriented towards oneself or the other. In a second article, a quantitative meta-analysis on functional neuroimaging studies of pain empathy is presented. This study revealed a core network of activation related to pain empathy (median anterior cingulate cortex, anterior insula), which activates independently from perceptual and cognitive processes of regulation. This study also demonstrated that different perceptual processes distinctively activate sensorimotor regions (observation of limbs in painful situations) and a region involved in action imitation and non-verbal communication (facial expressions of pain). Furthermore, different cognitive regulatory processes distinctively activate a region involved in interoception and selfawareness (self-oriented perspective) and regions involved in the attentional network (perspective oriented towards the stimulus). In order to examine experimentally the effect of emotion regulation on empathy, a psycho-physiological study was then conducted. A new paradigm was developed. During the viewing of short videos depicting socioemotional interactions, participants were invited to regulate their emotions using cognitive reappraisal. Situational empathy was measured. Electrodermal and cardiac activity was gathered. Results showed that emotion regulation can increase or decrease situational empathy and is associated to an increase of the heart rate variability. These results suggest that emotion regulation is underpinned by the parasympathetic system during empathy. Moreover, viewing positive emotions, compared to negative emotions, was associated with less situational empathy and a slight increase of the heart rate variability. These results suggest a greater need in emotion regulation processes during empathy for positive emotions. In sum, this study demonstrates that emotion regulation process during empathy is preferentially underlied by the parasympathetic system. This work also highlights that emotional valence is an important parameter to consider when studying empathy, as it influences the underying subjective and autonomic responses. In addition to offer a more integrative vision of the relation between empathy and emotion regulation and supports their link empirically. The findings demonstrate that empathy is a dynamic phenomenon that can be regulated by v perceptual and cognitive processes. Ultimately, this thesis will contribute more nuanced models of empathy that will consider emotion regulation processes and the underlying neurophysiological basis