It is believed that people as social animals could reduce their stress through positive social interaction with others. This study investigated the effects of socially pleasant images (e.g. photos of happy families) to physiologial recovery responses in stress. The experimental results revealed that electroencephalogram (EEG) alpha power increased in the participants when watching socially pleasant images. Higher self-reported empathy (measured by Interpersonal Reactivity Index) showed greater increase in alpha power in those participants than others. This finding suggests that socially pleasant images could enhance physiological recovery responses by stimulating empathy.
