Role of visuospatial working memory in empathic responses during narrative comprehension

Abstract

The present study examines whether the activation of visuospatial perceptual processing affects empathic responses during narrative comprehension. Specifically, using a dual-task method, we investigated the effects of load on a visuospatial memory task and capacity of visuospatial working memory on empathic response rating scores for reading. Consequently, the results revealed that the effects of load on the visuospatial memory task reduced empathic response scores for reading in the higher visuospatial working memory capacity. The results suggest that the activation of visuospatial perceptual processing influence empathic responses during narrative comprehension. Moreover, elaboration through activation of visuospatial perceptual processing plays an important role in empathic responses, particularly for readers having a large capacity of visuospatial working memory.