Speaker: Simone Shamay-Tsoory, Department of Psychology, University of Haifa

Abstract:

In recent years, inter-brain synchrony has been increasingly recognized as a fundamental mechanism underlying various forms of social connectedness during interactions. In a recent study using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) we demonstrated that inter-brain synchrony between clients and psychotherapists dynamically changes in the inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) over the course of psychotherapy. However, it remains unclear whether inter-brain synchrony can be actively trained and whether such training translates into increased social connectedness and empathy.

To address this question, we developed a dyadic neurofeedback platform using fNIRS to provide real-time feedback targeting the IFG. Ninety-two participants were randomly assigned into dyads and allocated to either an experimental group or a control group. The training consisted of three sessions over one week.

Results revealed that ratings of social connectedness increased more steeply in the experimental group compared to the control group. Crucially, a significant group-by-session interaction was observed in the IFG, such that the experimental group exhibited a progressive increase in IFG synchrony relative to baseline across sessions, whereas the control group showed no significant change in inter-brain synchrony. This evidence advances our understanding of inter-brain plasticity and highlights its potential applications in fostering socio-emotional well-being.

Time: 16:00, Wednesday, 11 March 2026

Location: online only

Host: Natalie Sebanz