JOURNAL ARTICLE

A neural compass for fear: Mapping how the brain distinguishes between direct and vicarious fear.

  • Published In: Psychology & Psychiatry Journal, 2025. P. 684 1 of 2

  • Database: Psychology Source 2 of 2

Abstract

Researchers have identified a neural circuit in the brain that distinguishes between direct fear and vicarious fear, shedding light on how the brain processes fear from personal threats versus observing others in distress. The locus coeruleus (LC) plays a crucial role in processing fear, with the right and left hemispheres serving distinct functions in this process. This discovery has implications for understanding and treating fear-related psychiatric conditions, offering insights into empathy, social learning, and brain asymmetry. The study's findings may lead to new strategies for treating disorders related to fear and empathy, deepening our understanding of how emotions are wired into the brain. [Extracted from the article]

Additional Information

  • Source:Psychology & Psychiatry Journal. 2025/04, p684
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Social Sciences and Humanities
  • Publication Date:2025
  • ISSN:1944-2718
  • Accession Number:184392779
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