Mirror Neurons: Why the Feels?

How are we able to learn, respond to, and imitate certain emotions and behaviors? Through mirror neurons! Mirror neurons are characterized by a certain type of brain circuitry. Marco Iacoboni of UCLA found that in primates, “there are neurons that activate when a person watches an action and then imitates that particular action.” There is thought to be a connection between the prefrontal cortex and the parietal cortex that is involved in this neural network.

In The Psychopath Inside, James Fallon shared an anecdote of his visit to a Kenyan village. Fallon and his brother, Tom, were able to show a group of people who were never exposed to golf or golf clubs the sport to golf at an expert level. It was a remarkable experience of socializing that implied there may be a cognitive connection to replicating certain behaviors – even emotional reactions – on an expert, universal level.

Fallon links mirror neurons with processing empathy and altruistic behaviors. “Research involving fMRI has revealed that the mirror neuron system extends beyond cognitive circuitry and affect other areas of the area processing emotion”(146).  Neurotransmitter and hormone systems also play a role in empathy. There are also genetic and environmental roots to processing and exhibiting empathetic behaviors.

In the New York Times, “World cup: Why mirror neurons play a part in jubilation” is an article which explores the observed, emotional aspect behind mirror neurons in sports events. Why is it that we start to feel sad for ourselves when someone cries at a goal loss? Why do we feel pride when someone else is beaming because of their accomplishments? This has to do with mirror neurons eliciting empathetic behaviors and cue us in to what is happening around us.

Fans in sports are susceptible to mirror neurons, as their emotional responses (i.e. weeping, celebrating, cheering, booing) are elicited by the other fans in the crowd, especially if they have experience with the sport. Ultimately, their mirror neurons are firing off at much higher rates.

Mirror neurons are a significant aspect of social interaction and learning behaviors. They act in accordance with areas of the brain which planning and coordinating.

"In general, mirror neurons make a positive contribution to learning and communication, this also applies to small children as they imitate us," says Valenti.

Fallon, J. (2013). The psychopath inside: A neuroscientist’s journey into the dark side of the

            brain. New York: Penguin Group.

Medical University of Vienna. (2014). World cup: Why mirror neurons play a part in jubilation.

            ScienceDaily. Retrieved February 27, 2015 from            www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/06/140610101318.htm