Alpha Coherence Decreases in the Right Posterior Cortex Reflects Better Theory of Mind Ability

Abstract

Background: Theory of Mind (ToM) is the ability to understand the states of others by attributing mental states and emotions to them. This ability grows as brain networks develop depending on the experience; thus, being able to appropriately detect external stimuli is of great importance. The alpha band is known to be related to detection and perception of salient stimuli; however, there are few studies that have examined the role of alpha oscillations in ToM. Aim: The aim of the study is to investigate relation of alpha coherence and power to ToM. Methods: Eyes open resting state EEG was recorded from each participant. After a period of time, the participants were invited to complete ToM test. ToM ability measured by the Theory of Mind-Humor Comprehension and Appreciation Test (ToM-HCAT). Coherence and power values for the candidate connection groups were calculated in the alpha band (8-13 Hz; n=45). Results: The hypoconnectivity in the right posterior area was related to a better ToM ability (rs(42)=-0.395, p=0.008). The correlation was preserved only in males rs(18)=-0.522, p=0.018, and there was not a significant relation for females rs(22)=-0.335, p=0.110. Conclusion: We showed that the ToM ability was related to alpha coherence dimensionally within healthy population. Although the direct relation of alpha coherence with the ToM ability is unclear, it is highly possible that attention plays a mediatory role between neural network development and the capacity of this network to process social cognition.