Inhibit yourself and understand the other: Neural basis of distinct processes underlying Theory of Mind

• Published in: NeuroImage (Orlando, Fla.) Vol. 56; no. 4; pp. 2364 - 2374
• Main Authors: van der Meer, Lisette, Groenewold, Nynke A., Nolen, Willem A., Pijnenborg, Marieke, Aleman, André
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 15.06.2011; Elsevier Limited
• Subjects: Behavior; Brain - physiology; Brain Mapping; False belief; Female; fMRI; Humans; Hypotheses; Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted; Inhibition; Inhibition (Psychology); Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Perspective taking; Self; Studies; Theory; Theory of Mind; Theory of Mind - physiology; Young Adult; False belief; fMRI; Perspective taking; Inhibition; Self; Theory of Mind
• ISSN: 1053-8119; 1095-9572
• DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2011.03.053

Taking the perspective of somebody else (Theory of Mind; ToM) is an essential human ability depending on a large cerebral network comprising prefrontal and temporo-parietal regions. Recently, ToM was suggested to consist of two processes: (1) self-perspective inhibition and (2) belief reasoning. Moreover, it has been hypothesized that self-perspective inhibition may build upon basic motor response inhibition. This study tested both hypotheses for the first time using functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI), through administering both a ToM and a stop-signal paradigm in the same subjects. Both self-perspective and motor response inhibition yielded bilateral inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) activation, suggesting a common inhibitory mechanism, while belief reasoning was mediated by the superior temporal gyrus (STG) and temporo-parietal junction (TPJ). Thus, we provide neurobiological evidence for a subdivision of ToM into self-perspective inhibition and belief reasoning. Furthermore, evidence for partially shared neural mechanisms for inhibition in complex social situations and basic motor response inhibition was found. ► ToM can be subdivided into self-perspective inhibition and belief reasoning. ► Self-perspective inhibition is mediated by the bilateral IFG. ► Belief reasoning is mediated by the left STG, TPJ and MTG. ► Self-inhibition and response inhibition build upon similar neural mechanisms.