Empathy and error processing

Abstract

Recent research suggests a relationship between empathy and error processing. Error processing is an evaluative control function that can be measured using post-error response time slowing and the error-related negativity (ERN) and post-error positivity (Pe) components of the event-related potential (ERP). Thirty healthy participants completed two measures of empathy, the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI) and the Empathy Quotient (EQ), and a modified Stroop task. Post-error slowing was associated with increased empathic personal distress on the IRI. ERN amplitude was related to overall empathy score on the EQ and the fantasy subscale of the IRI. The Pe and measures of empathy were not related. Results remained consistent when negative affect was controlled via partial correlation, with an additional relationship between ERN amplitude and empathic concern on the IRI. Findings support a connection between empathy and error processing mechanisms.

Absorbed in the task: Personality measures predict engagement during task performance as tracked by error negativity and asymmetrical frontal activity

“…Several studies have associated measures of punishment sensitivity or negative affectivity such as BIS and neuroticism with larger ERN amplitudes (e.g., Boksem, Tops, et al, 2006;Hajcak et al, 2004;Luu et al, 2000;Pailing & Segalowitz, 2004;Tops et al, 2006). Agreeableness and its strong correlate empathetic concern (see note 1) have also been related to larger ERN amplitudes (Larson, Fair, Good, & Baldwin, 2010;Santesso & Segalowitz, 2009;Tops et al, 2006). Larson et al also found a positive association between ERN amplitudes and scores of empathetic fantasy, a measure of absorption.…”

“…Larson et al also found a positive association between ERN amplitudes and scores of empathetic fantasy, a measure of absorption. Moreover, absorption is associated with agreeableness, empathetic concerns, and emotional intensity (e.g., present component analysis; Ando et al, 2004;Wickramasekera, 2007), which have been positively related to ERN amplitude (Dywan, Mathewson, Choma, Rosenfeld, & Segalowitz, 2008;Larson et al, 2010;Santesso & Segalowitz, 2009;Tops et al, 2006).…”

Error-related medial frontal theta activity predicts cingulate-related structural connectivity

“…Within healthy populations, individual differences in action monitoring have been linked to political preferences and personality styles (Amodio et al, 2007;Larson et al, 2010). Clearly, a better understanding of the neural networks that support action monitoring and error processing is relevant for basic psychological and neuroscience theories as well as for understanding cognitive control impairments in patient groups.…”

Predictors of performance monitoring abilities following traumatic brain injury: The influence of negative affect and cognitive sequelae

“…These findings are important because they indicate that NA is associated with reduced performance monitoring processes and, perhaps, decreased levels of vigilance or attention to performance (c.f. Ladouceur et al, 2010;Larson et al, 2010;Tops et al, 2006). Findings highlight the need for greater emphasis on emotional well-being in survivors of TBI; both in pre-morbid functioning, as well as in post-injury rehabilitation and treatment.…”