The perception of direct gaze-that is, of another individual's gaze directed at the observer-is known to influence a wide range of cognitive processes and behaviors. We present a new theoretical proposal to provide a unified account of these effects. We argue that direct gaze first captures the beholder's attention and then triggers self-referential processing, i.e., a heightened processing of stimuli in relation with the self. Self-referential processing modulates incoming information processing and leads to the Watching Eyes effects, which we classify into four main categories: the enhancement of self-awareness, memory effects, the activation of pro-social behavior, and positive appraisals of others. We advance that the belief to be the object of another's attention is embedded in direct gaze perception and gives direct gaze its self-referential power. Finally, we stress that the Watching Eyes effects reflect a positive impact on human cognition; therefore, they may have a therapeutic potential, which future research should delineate.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
|---|---|
| http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.concog.2016.08.016 | DOI Listing |
Publication Analysis
Top Keywords
Similar Publications
Intelligent Standalone Eye Blinking Monitoring System for Computer Users.
J Eye Mov Res
December 2024
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
: Working on computers for long hours has become a regular task for millions of people around the world. This has led to the increase of eye and vision issues related to prolonged computer use, known as computer vision syndrome (CVS). A main contributor to CVS caused by dry eyes is the reduction of blinking rates.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFSophisticated perspective-takers are distinctive: Neural idiosyncrasy of functional connectivity in the mentalizing network.
iScience
December 2024
School of Psychology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China.
Naive perspective-takers often perceive the social world in a simplistic and uniform way, whereas sophisticated ones recognize the diversity and complexity of others' minds. This commonly accepted distinction points to a possibility of greater inter-individual variability in mentalizing for sophisticated than naive perspective-takers, a difference previously overlooked in research. In the current study, participants were asked to watch a mentalizing-related movie and their neural responses, interpretations of the characters' mental states, and eye-gaze trajectories were recorded.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFA randomised controlled study on efficacy of midazolam and cartoon for decreasing preoperative anxiety in preschool children undergoing strabismus surgery.
J Perioper Pract
December 2024
Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.
Background: This study aimed to evaluate the effect and influence of midazolam and cartoon on postoperative behaviour in reducing preoperative anxiety in preschool children.
Methods: Three hundred children undergoing monocular strabismus correction were divided into three groups: midazolam (M), cartoon (C), and CM. Preoperative anxiety scores, cooperation scores during anaesthesia induction, awakening time, emergence agitation, and postoperative adverse behaviours were recorded.
A single session of slow-paced breathing improved cognitive functions and postural control among middle-aged women: a randomized single blinded controlled trial.
Menopause
February 2025
From the Research Laboratory Education, Motricité, Sport Et Santé, EM2S, LR19JS01, Higher Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia.
Objective: The aim of the study was to explore the immediate effects of slow-paced breathing (SPB) on cognitive performance and postural control in middle-aged postmenopausal women.
Methods: Thirty-four middle-aged women were recruited and assigned to either an experimental group (EG), who practiced SPB, or a control group (CG), who watched an educational video. Both groups had their cognitive functions and postural control assessed using validated tools during both pre-intervention and post-intervention sessions.
WEBINO: A unique neuro-ophthalmological manifestation of the unilateral mid-brain cerebrovascular event.
Radiol Case Rep
February 2025
Department of General Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, India.
WEBINO (wall eye intranuclear ophthalmoplegia) is a specific type of neuroophthalmological condition that occurs due to a lesion in the MLF (medial longitudinal fasciculus), which causes unique symptoms characterized by bilateral adduction (inward movement of the eyes) impairment. Still, the abduction (outward movement of the eyes) may be preserved, and nystagmus during abduction is seen along with severe exotropia (outward movement of the eyes). In this case report, we report a 65-year-old male with a sudden onset of double vision, which he noticed while watching television, associated with a certain degree of vision loss and right-sided weakness of the body.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWant AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?
Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!