A1 Journal article (refereed)
Trait Empathy associated with Agreeableness and rhythmic entrainment in a spontaneous movement to music task : Preliminary exploratory investigations (2019)

Bamford, J. M. S., & Davidson, J. W. (2019). Trait Empathy associated with Agreeableness and rhythmic entrainment in a spontaneous movement to music task : Preliminary exploratory investigations. Musicae Scientiae, 23(1), 5-24. https://doi.org/10.1177/1029864917701536

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Bamford, Joshua Michael S.; Davidson, Jane W.

Journal or series: Musicae Scientiae

ISSN: 1029-8649

eISSN: 2045-4147

Publication year: 2019

Publication date: 28/03/2017

Volume: 23

Issue number: 1

Pages range: 5-24

Publisher: SAGE Publications

Publication country: United States

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1029864917701536

Publication open access: Not open

Publication channel open access: 

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/89291

Abstract

The simulation theory of empathy suggests that we use motor processing to empathise, through modelling the actions of others. Similarly, research into embodied music cognition posits that music, particularly musical rhythm, is perceived as a motor stimulus. In both cases, the human Mirror Neuron System (MNS) is put forward as a potential underlying mechanism. If this is the case, some overlap may exist between the ability to empathise with others, and the ability to perceive rhythm in music. The present study investigated this relationship indirectly, through the study of individual differences in Trait Empathy and rhythmic entrainment. Undergraduate students (N = 237) completed a questionnaire battery including the EQ-Short, BFAS and questions about musical and dance experience. A relationship was observed between Agreeableness on the BFAS and the EQ-Short (r = .554). Tests on a controlled sample of these participants (n = 11) found a relationship between Trait Empathy and performance on a rhythmic entrainment task, involving spontaneous movement to a musical stimulus (rτ = -.686). A novel measure of rhythmic entrainment was used, assessing each participant on the time taken to re-establish entrainment following an abrupt change in tempo. The findings suggest that Empathy and rhythmic entrainment may utilise similar brain regions. These regions may also be associated with the MNS, although neuroimaging data would be required to confirm this. Qualitative observations of the participants’ responses to the various musical stimuli were also recorded, and may inform future study. Furthermore, the observed relationship between Agreeableness and Trait Empathy may have implications for how these personality constructs are treated in the literature.

Keywords: music psychology; big five model; empathy; emotions; rhythm; motion; motion capture; mirror neurons

Free keywords: agreeableness; Big Five Aspect Scale (BFAS); embodied cognition; emotion; empathy; mirror neuron system; music psychology; rhythmic entrainment; spontaneous movement

Contributing organizations

Ministry reporting: Yes

Preliminary JUFO rating: 3