Asymmetric frontal brain activity and parental rejection predict altruistic behavior: Moderation of oxytocin effects |
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Authors: | Renske Huffmeijer Lenneke R A Alink Mattie Tops Marian J Bakermans-Kranenburg Marinus H van IJzendoorn |
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Institution: | (1) Centre for Child and Family Studies, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9555, 2300 RB Leiden, the Netherlands;(2) Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition (LIBC), Leiden University, P.O. Box 9600, 2300 RC Leiden, the Netherlands; |
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Abstract: | Asymmetric frontal brain activity has been widely implicated in reactions to emotional stimuli and is thought to reflect individual
differences in approach–withdrawal motivation. Here, we investigate whether asymmetric frontal activity, as a measure of approach–withdrawal
motivation, also predicts charitable donations after a charity’s (emotion-eliciting) promotional video showing a child in
need is viewed, in a sample of 47 young adult women. In addition, we explore possibilities for mediation and moderation, by
asymmetric frontal activity, of the effects of intranasally administered oxytocin and parental love withdrawal on charitable
donations. Greater relative left frontal activity was related to larger donations. In addition, we found evidence of moderation:
Low levels of parental love withdrawal predicted larger donations in the oxytocin condition for participants showing greater
relative right frontal activity. We suggest that when approach motivation is high (reflected in greater relative left frontal
activity), individuals are generally inclined to take action upon seeing someone in need and, thus, to donate money to actively
help out. Only when approach motivation is low (reflected in less relative left/greater relative right activity) do empathic
concerns affected by oxytocin and experiences of love withdrawal play an important part in deciding about donations. |
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