Evidence reported in the literature suggests that the mirror system not only plays a role in recognizing motor action but also fosters a better understanding of other people because it helps an individual assume another’s perspective. This led to the idea, supported by research findings, that people with higher empathy scores should show higher activation of the mirror system. Recently, it has been hypothesized that a purely auditory mirror system exists. In this study, we aimed to explore the possibility that this system might play a particular role for musicians. Specifically, this system would impact their response to a new piece of music by using non-invasive brain stimulation to modulate the activation of the mirror system. A sample of 40 young musicians was involved in this study. Half of the participants were randomly assigned to a cathodal stimulation condition, while the other half was used as a control. After listening to a new piece of music, participants were asked to rate the creativity of the piece (by focusing on how interesting, innovative, and exciting the piece was) as well as their general emotional response to it. Their empathy levels were also assessed using the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI). Results showed that the cathodal stimulation of the mirror system negatively affected both the perception of creativity (level of innovation) and the emotional response to the music. There was no significant difference in the ratings of how interesting the piece was perceived. The effect was mediated by the individuals’ level of empathy. Specifically, empathic concern and fantasy dimensions increased the evaluation of creativity. Results also showed that participants reported less emotion with a negative valence in the cathodal stimulation condition.

Purpose Group-based mind–body interventions such as the Stress Management and Resiliency Training-Relaxation Response Resiliency Program (SMART-3RP) hold promise for enhancing resiliency among cancer survivors. Mechanisms underlying improvements in psychological outcomes are theoretically established but remain unexamined empirically. Methods Adult cancer survivors ( n = 105) participating in the SMART-3RP completed surveys of resiliency and five hypothesized mediators: coping (ability to relax physical tension and assertive social support-seeking), mindfulness, positive affect, and worry. Pre-post intervention changes were assessed using repeated-measures t -tests. Bivariate correlations between change scores and a more conservative within-person parallel mediation model tested covariance between resiliency and mediators. Results Participants experienced moderate to large improvements in all patient-reported outcomes (ds = 1.01–0.46). Increased resiliency was significantly associated with increases in mindfulness, positive affect, and assertive social support-seeking ( r s = 0.36–0.50); smaller associations with increased relaxation and decreased worry were not significant. Mindfulness and positive affect explained the largest proportion of variance in resiliency increase in the full multivariate model. Conclusions Cancer survivors completing the SMART-3RP had increased resiliency, which was associated with improvements in mindfulness, positive affect, and the ability to assertively seek social support. Enhancing mindfulness and positive affect were critical components for enhancing resiliency. Implications for resiliency interventions with cancer survivors are discussed. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00520-022-07022-5.