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Reward in the mirror neuron system, social context, and the implications on psychopathology

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 April 2014

Elliot C. Brown
Affiliation:
Division of Cognitive Neuropsychiatry, LWL University Hospital Bochum, 44791 Bochum, Germany. martin.bruene@rub.dehttp://homepage.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/martin.bruene/ International Graduate School of Neuroscience, FNO 01/114, Ruhr University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany. elliot.c.brown@gmail.comhttp://rub.academia.edu/ElliotBrown
Martin Brüne
Affiliation:
Division of Cognitive Neuropsychiatry, LWL University Hospital Bochum, 44791 Bochum, Germany. martin.bruene@rub.dehttp://homepage.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/martin.bruene/ International Graduate School of Neuroscience, FNO 01/114, Ruhr University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany. elliot.c.brown@gmail.comhttp://rub.academia.edu/ElliotBrown

Abstract

Positive and negative reinforcers guide our behaviors as we interact with others in our social environment. Here, we present evidence that highlights a central role for reward in the general functioning of the mirror neuron system (MNS). We also discuss the relevance of reward-related modulation on other previous findings revealing certain properties of the MNS, and on social context and psychopathology.

Type
Open Peer Commentary
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2014 

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