Exploring the neural mechanisms underlying cooperation and competition behavior: Insights from stereo-electroencephalography hyperscanning
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Cooperation and competition are essential social behaviors in human society. This study utilized hyperscanning and stereo-electroencephalography (SEEG) to investigate intra- and inter-brain neural dynamics underlying these behaviors within the insula and inferior frontal gyrus (IFG), regions critical for executive function and mentalizing. We found distinct high-gamma responses and connectivity patterns, with a stronger influence from IFG to insula during competition and more balanced interactions during cooperation. Inter-brain synchronization shows significantly higher insula gamma synchronization during competition and higher IFG gamma synchronization during cooperation. Cross-frequency coupling suggests that these gamma synchronizations result from intra- and inter-brain interactions. Competition stems from intra-brain alpha-gamma coupling from IFG to insula and inter-brain IFG alpha synchronization, while cooperation is driven by intra-brain beta-gamma coupling from insula to IFG and inter-brain insula beta synchronization. Our findings provide insights into the neural basis of cooperation and competition, highlighting the roles of both insula and IFG.
Source: iScience
Authors: Xiaojun Qiao, Rui Li, Huimin Huang, Yang Hong, Xiaoran Li, Ziyue Li, Siyi Chen, Lizhi Yang, ShengTeng Ong, Yi Yao, Fengpeng Wang, Xiaobin Zhang, Kao-Min Lin, Yongna Xiao, Mingxiang Weng, Junsong Zhang
Institutions: Xiamen University, Central China Normal University
Language: English
Subfield: Social Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,150
Awards: G6050815528, G6217570678
OpenAlex ID: W4404839173