Direct current stimulation of the left temporoparietal junction modulates dynamic humor appreciation.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of transcranial direct current stimulation targeting the left temporoparietal junction (TPJ) on humor appreciation during a dynamic video rating task. In a within-participants design, we targeted the left TPJ with anodal, cathodal, or no transcranial direct current stimulation, centered at electrode site C3 using a 4×1 targeted stimulation montage. During stimulation, participants dynamically rated a series of six stand-up comedy videos for perceived humor. We measured event-related (time-locked to crowd laughter) modulation of humor ratings as a function of stimulation condition. Results showed decreases in rated humor during anodal (vs. cathodal or none) stimulation; this pattern was evident for the majority of videos and was only partially predicted by individual differences in humor style. We discuss the possibility that upregulation of neural circuits involved in the theory of mind and empathizing with others may reduce appreciation of aggressive humor. In conclusion, the present data show that neuromodulation of the TPJ can alter the mental processes underlying humor appreciation, suggesting critical involvement of this cortical region in detecting, comprehending, and appreciating humor.
aCenter for Applied Brain & Cognitive Sciences bDepartment of Psychology, Tufts University, Medford cUS Army Natick Soldier RDEC, Cognitive Sciences, Natick, Massachusetts, USA.
Isabella
I
Slaby
Amanda
A
Holmes
Joseph M
JM
Moran
Marianna D
MD
Eddy
Caroline R
CR
Mahoney
Holly A
HA
Taylor
Tad T
TT
Brunyé
D005071:Evoked Potentials; D005260:Female; D007839:Functional Laterality; D006801:Humans; D007206:Individuality; D007600:Judgment / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D010296:Parietal Lobe / Q000502:physiology*; D010465:Perception / Q000502:physiology; D013702:Temporal Lobe / Q000502:physiology*; D065908:Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation / Q000379:methods; D014925:Wit and Humor as Topic; D055815:Young Adult