S-031 | Social Neuroscience: Assessment of Social Cognition Processes in Individuals with Qualitative Indicators of Executive Dysfunction Syndrome

Cognition, Behavior, and Memory
Author: MARIA JOSE AGUILAR | Email: majoaguilar1@gmail.com

Maria Jose Aguilar^1°2°3°, Maria del Pilar Villa^1°3°, Paula Lopez^1°3°,  Maria Lucia Zabala^1°3°, Cristian Garcia Bauza^2°4°

^1° Instituto de psicologia Basica, aplicada y tecnologia IPSIBAT
^2° Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas (CONICET)
^3° Universidad Nacional de Mar del PLata
^4° Universidad del Centro. Laboratorio Media.lab

Introduction: Social neuroscience, as an emerging field, focuses on the neurobiological underpinnings of social cognition processes. These processes refer to the mental operations underlying social interactions, including those involved in perceiving, interpreting, and responding to the intentions, dispositions, and behaviors of others. Objective: To assess social cognition processes in individuals presenting qualitative indicators of executive dysfunction syndrome. Methodology: Non-experimental, cross-sectional group comparison design. The sample consisted of 97 adults divided into two groups. Group 1: Individuals with qualitative indicators of executive dysfunction syndrome (N=37) and Group 2: Individuals without qualitative indicators of executive dysfunction syndrome (N=60). Social cognition tasks (Yoni Task and Interpersonal Reactivity Index) and the DEX executive dysfunction questionnaire were administered. Results: Individuals in Group 1 exhibited higher levels of affective empathy, with significant differences (p = .008), particularly in empathic concern (p = .009) and personal distress (p = .031). No differences were observed in theory of mind processes. Discussion: The results suggest the impact and influence of executive functions located in the prefrontal cortex on social cognition processes, especially in what is known as the empathic brain.