Publicação

Revisiting “The Malicious Serpent”: Phylogenetically threatening stimulus marked in the human brain

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Detalhes bibliográficos
Resumo:Twenty years ago, Öhman and Mineka's publication “The Malicious Serpent” emphasized the selective pressure ancestral reptiles would have on early mammals’ visual system, specifically the development of a set of subcortical structures that would provide snake-like images privileged access to the amygdala. This process would occur automatically and allows for quick defensive reactions. Based on criticisms directed to the snake detection research, we created five questions that guided the discussion in this review. Evidence suggests the existence of a set of subcortical structures that promote prompt detection of snakes and sustained attention, but difficulties arise due to the complex interconnectivity of cortical and subcortical structures and multiple threat responses. Gaps in the research are identified as potential for future investigation.
Autores principais:Biondi, Luiz
Outros Autores:Gomes, Nuno; Maior, Rafael S.; Soares, Sandra C.
Assunto:Fear module Snake Detection Theory Visual system Primate evolution
Ano:2024
País:Portugal
Tipo de documento:artigo
Tipo de acesso:acesso aberto
Instituição associada:Ispa-Instituto Universitário
Idioma:inglês
Origem:Repositório do Ispa - Instituto Universitário
Descrição
Resumo:Twenty years ago, Öhman and Mineka's publication “The Malicious Serpent” emphasized the selective pressure ancestral reptiles would have on early mammals’ visual system, specifically the development of a set of subcortical structures that would provide snake-like images privileged access to the amygdala. This process would occur automatically and allows for quick defensive reactions. Based on criticisms directed to the snake detection research, we created five questions that guided the discussion in this review. Evidence suggests the existence of a set of subcortical structures that promote prompt detection of snakes and sustained attention, but difficulties arise due to the complex interconnectivity of cortical and subcortical structures and multiple threat responses. Gaps in the research are identified as potential for future investigation.