Linking mechanisms: Emotional contagion, empathy, and imagery.

Abstract

Deconstructing the emotional relationship between patient and therapist is certainly a formidable task. Using research results from experimental social psychology, psychophysiology, and developmental psychology, this essay focuses on the automatic processes of mimicry, emotional synchrony, and physiological synchronyall preludes to empathy. For the therapist to achieve an empathic posture, however, she must also imagine the perspective of the patient. Furthermore, to broaden and sharpen her empathic lens, she must tune in to the ubiquitous current of nonverbal communication that is part and parcel of the interactive treatment process. For these reasons, imagery proves to be a crucial element in the transition from simple attunement to empathy. A clinical vignette and a neuroscience perspective on image formation help illustrate the relationship between emotional contagion and imagery. It is suggested that there is a reciprocal relationship between the emotional ambience cocreated by the two participants and image formation. Sensorial images aid in the detection of gross emotional states as well as in the nuancing of their intensity. Affective ambience, on the other hand, seems to affect the selection of one particular image versus another.

A qualitative study of the therapist's spontaneous mental imagery and its impact on therapeutic process

“…All participants reported on the facilitative nature of imagery phenomena and these findings were broadly consistent with the literature (Arizmendi, 2011;Birksted-Breen, 2012;Bucci, 2009;Mark, 2009;Ogden, 2002). As an outcome of this study, the facilitative and potentially transformative aspect of SMI was developed into a Model of Understanding and this is further discussed elsewhere (McGown, 2013).…”

The emotional link: Leadership and the role of implicit and explicit emotional contagion processes across multiple organizational levels

“…Research examining these mechanisms have focused almost exclusively within the behavioral realm, with the view that mimicry of others' behavioral cues is central towards emotional convergence and synchrony (Arizmendi, 2011). This hypothesis, referred to as the mimicry-feedback hypothesis, suggests that emotional contagion is largely automatic and subconscious, and that the mimicry of an observed individuals' facial or bodily musculature results in a convergence of emotional states (Lishner, Cooter, & Zald, 2008).…”

“…Advances in neuroscience research provide evidence particularly for brain-related processes that lead to emotional contagion. Arguably the most significant finding from this domain of research is the discovery of the mirror neuron system (MNS) -a subset of multimodal neurons which activate when an individual observes another's actions, as if the observer were performing the action themselves (Arizmendi, 2011). Shamay-Tsoory (2011) suggests the MNS as the neurological mechanism underlying motor mimicry, empathy, and consequently, emotional contagion.…”

Stuttering Risk: Neurophysiological and Genetic Findings Versus Psychosocial Insights. A Proposalfor a Resolution

“…By far the largest proportion of the variation in psychotherapeutic outcome is ascribed to the "Common Factors": Clients respond more to the quality of the therapeutic relationship, rather than improve thanks to innovatory techniques and methods. The therapeutic relation and alliance develops largely beyond the realm of the verbal as Arizmendi [56] explains in detail. Empathy, the key to the therapist-patient relationship has several preludes: physiological synchrony (in heart rate, skin conductance), emotional synchrony with mimicry (in facial expression, voice quality, postures and gestures) and imagery (a crucial element in the transition from simple attunement to empathy).…”