The face of rejection: Rejection sensitivity moderates dorsal anterior cingulate activity to disapproving facial expressions

Abstract

Previous research has examined neural responses to threatening facial expressions such as those displaying anger, fear, and disgust. Here, we examined neural responses to a different type of threatening facial expression that primarily signifies a threat to social connection, namely a "disapproving" facial expression. We hypothesized that neural responses to disapproving facial expressions would be moderated by individual differences in rejection sensitivity. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), we scanned participants while they viewed brief video clips of facial expressions depicting disapproval, anger, and disgust. As expected, all three expressions yielded bilateral amygdala activation relative to a resting baseline. Additionally, individuals who scored higher on a measure of rejection sensitivity exhibited greater dorsal anterior cingulate cortex activity in response to disapproving facial expressions, but not in response to anger or disgust facial expressions. Results suggest that, at the neural level, individuals high in rejection sensitivity may be more sensitive to facial expressions signaling potential rejection, but not to threatening facial expressions in general. Results also suggest that disapproving facial expressions convey a distinct type of threat and should be considered in future studies of socially threatening facial expressions.Facial expressions are a powerful and efficient source of social information (Darwin, 1872(Darwin, /1998. They are a reflection of how we feel and they help us communicate these feelings to others. As highly social beings, we are constantly exposed to a variety of different facial expressions, each providing valuable information about our physical and social surroundings and how to respond appropriately to them (Darwin, 1872(Darwin, /1998 Ekman, 2003). Negative or threatening facial expressions, which signal to the target individual that "something is wrong" or that he or she is in some sort of danger, are especially potent. For example, an angry scowl can signal that we have crossed someone and should prepare to either fight or flee, and a grimace of disgust can warn us to steer clear of certain foods, helping us avoid food poisoning. Using tools such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), we can examine the underlying Correspondence should be addressed to: Lisa J. Burklund, Department of Psychology, Franz Hall, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1563 USA. E-mail: burklund@ucla.edu. Publisher's Disclaimer: Full terms and conditions of use: http://www.informaworld.com/terms-and-conditions-of-access.pdf This article maybe used for research, teaching and private study purposes. Any substantial or systematic reproduction, re-distribution, re-selling, loan or sub-licensing, systematic supply or distribution in any form to anyone is expressly forbidden. The publisher does not give any warranty express or implied or make any representation that the contents will be complete or accurate or up to date. The accuracy of any instru...

Social Pain and the Brain: Controversies, Questions, and Where to Go from Here

“…In both of these studies, participants knew ahead of time that they were going to be asked to reflect on these breakups during the scanning session, so there was nothing unexpected about the task; however, reliving the rejection experience still led to increased activity in the dACC. Likewise, it has also been shown that rejection sensitivity, the tendency to expect to be rejected, was associated with increased dACC activity in response to viewing disapproving facial expressions, cues which signify the possibility of social rejection (Burklund et al 2007). If the dACC were simply sensitive to expectancy violations, we would predict that those who most expect rejection would show less activity in the dACC in response to rejecting cues, but that is not what was observed.…”

Secure attachment partners attenuate neural responses to social exclusion: An fMRI investigation

“…1). As noted in the introduction, several areas, including lateral and medial PFC and vACC have been found in previous research on social exclusion (e.g., Burklund, Eisenberger, & Lieberman, 2007;Eisenberger et al, 2003;Fig. 2.…”

“…Although initial social exclusion research mainly focused on the dorsal anterior cingulated cortex (dACC), insula, and right ventral lateral prefrontal cortex (RVLPFC; Eisenberger et al, 2003), more recent studies found that other stressrelated regions such as the hypothalamus and regions in the lateral and medial prefrontal cortex (in particular, BA8) were involved in responses to social exclusion as well . In addition, other studies -using the same ball-tossing exclusion paradigm -have found activity in the ventral part of the anterior cingulate cortex (vACC; Burklund, Eisenberger, & Lieberman, 2007;Masten et al, 2009). This latter finding is consistent with results from other studies indicating that the ventral areas of the anterior cingulate cortex are associated with affective responses to social rejection (Bush et al, 2000;Sommerville et al, 2006).…”

Childhood Maltreatment and Coping in Bipolar Disorder

“…Increased dorsal ACC/mPFC to exclusion may be dependent on individual differences. As dorsal mPFC activity is especially pronounced in individuals sensitive to interpersonal rejection [24], [25], anxiously attached [26], and/or having low self-esteem [27,28]. Therefore, dorsal ACC/mPFC responsivity to social rejection may also be evident in individuals with CEM.…”