The Role of Mirror Neurons in Empathy: How We Understand Others
by Saniya Somji and Siddhipriya Chatterjee [MSc. SY Applied Psychology] Have you ever yawned just because you noticed someone else around you yawn? Have you ever experienced excitement with a friend because they were excited about something? Have you ever flinched and winced when you saw someone fall, or get hurt? Certainly, the answer is yes. The most powerful and definitive hallmarks of humanity are empathy. This trait makes it possible for any human to connect with others, understand their feelings, and react to what they have experienced. For instance, when a friend tells us great news or something exciting, we find ourselves feeling joy for them; and when someone else is in pain, it often brings about a wince from us. But how does the mirroring of emotions and moods take place? The answer lies in the fascinating field of neuroscience, specifically in the world of mirror neurons. ...