Abstract
This article explains how people synchronize their thoughts through empathetic relationships and points out the elementary neuronal mechanisms orchestrating this process. The many dimensions of empathy are discussed, as is the manner by which empathy affects health and disorders. A case study of teaching children empathy, with positive results, is presented. Mirror neurons, the recently discovered mechanism underlying empathy, are characterized, followed by a theory of brain-to-brain coupling. This neuro-tuning, seen as a kind of synchronization (SYNC) between brains and between individuals, takes various forms, including frequency aspects of language use and the understanding that develops regardless of the difference in spoken tongues. Going beyond individual-to-individual empathy and SYNC, the article explores the phenomenon of synchronization in groups and points out how synchronization increases group cooperation and performance.
Highlights
We sometimes feel as if we just resonate with something or someone, and this feeling seems far beyond mere intellectual cognition
Engaging empathic processes in children and adolescents results in reducing their aggression; this sort of empathy training may be useful for encouraging positive social behaviors (Bjorkqvist 2007)
In the introduction we presented the conjectures of the film editor, Dr Karen Pearlman, who holds that the rhythm of cycles of tension and release occurring throughout a film provoke and modulate an empathetic response, understood as a felt and embodied phenomenon operating on many levels: physiological, cognitive, and energetic, and leading to internalization and participation in the film’s flow of images, emotions, and events
Summary
We sometimes feel as if we just resonate with something or someone, and this feeling seems far beyond mere intellectual cognition. Pearlman mentions physiology and neuroscience: The mirror neurons embedded in our brain reflect the movement and sounds seen on the screen and beef up the spectator’s empathy. The observer essentially ‘‘internally simulates’’ the observed movements and, without moving, feels his own body configuration change in response Both those paths (mirror neurons and kinesthetic interaction) make us experience physiological tension and release virtually simultaneously, as we perceive the movie’s patterns of intensity and relaxation; and we enter the universe of synchronization. It seems worthwhile to take a closer look at our film editor’s conclusions, reached through professional experience and intuition. Are her conjectures supported in research outside the realm of cinema? We will document the neuroscience behind this phenomenon, and we’ll look at the synchronization processes based on mirror neurons and empathy
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
