Unveiling the Neural Pathways of Empathic Pain: Implications for Modulation Strategies and Beyond

ABSTRACT Empathic pain, a core manifestation of empathy, encompasses an individual's perceptual sensitivity, evaluative judgment, and emotional responsiveness to the suffering of others. This capacity is vital for healthy social interaction, as it fosters prosocial behavior, inhibits aggression, and upholds moral norms critical to social development. This article provides a comprehensive review of current research on empathic pain, examining its conceptual foundations and the underlying neural mechanisms. In particular, it explores the activation of key brain regions, including the anterior cingulate cortex, insula, amygdala, and cerebellum, as well as the neural circuits linking these areas. Additionally, the paper summarizes various influencing factors and modulatory strategies related to empathic pain. These insights enhance our understanding of emotional resonance and establish a solid basis for developing clinical modulation models. Future research should adopt a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating advanced neuroimaging techniques, behavioral experiments, and broader clinical trials to further elucidate empathic pain and inform the development of more effective treatment strategies.