Scientists found a direct link between activity in the parietal lobe of the brain, relating to body perception and the insular and anterior cingulated cortex, which controls subjective emotional processes such as pain, anger or fear. The scientists then prodded the participants' torso with a stick in synchronisation with the video, eliciting a vivid illusion that the stranger's body was their own. Catherine Preston, the lead author of the study, said: "In today's Western society, concerns regarding body size and negative feelings towards one's body are all too common. However, little is known about the neural mechanisms underlying negative feelings towards the body and how they relate to body perception and eating-disorder pathology." Adding, "This research is vital in revealing the link between body perception and our emotional responses regarding body satisfaction, and may help explain the neurobiological underpinnings of eating-disorder vulnerability in women."

Source: dna October 12, 2016 06:56 UTC