Downregulation of the posterior medial frontal cortex prevents social conformity

J Neurosci. 2011 Aug 17;31(33):11934-40. doi: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.1869-11.2011.

Abstract

We often change our behavior to conform to real or imagined group pressure. Social influence on our behavior has been extensively studied in social psychology, but its neural mechanisms have remained largely unknown. Here we demonstrate that the transient downregulation of the posterior medial frontal cortex by theta-burst transcranial magnetic stimulation reduces conformity, as indicated by reduced conformal adjustments in line with group opinion. Both the extent and probability of conformal behavioral adjustments decreased significantly relative to a sham and a control stimulation over another brain area. The posterior part of the medial frontal cortex has previously been implicated in behavioral and attitudinal adjustments. Here, we provide the first interventional evidence of its critical role in social influence on human behavior.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Brain Mapping / methods
  • Down-Regulation / physiology*
  • Female
  • Frontal Lobe / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Photic Stimulation / methods*
  • Psychomotor Performance / physiology*
  • Social Conformity*
  • Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation* / methods
  • Young Adult