Mirror Neurons and Emotional Contagion

By: Lindsey Bernhardt

Have you ever noticed when someone around you yawns, you find yourself yawning too? Scientists believe that one reason this happens is because of your mirror neurons. Like the words imply, mirror neurons are a group of neurons that fire when we observe other people participate in behaviors. Just like yawning, other emotions or behaviors can be just as contagious thanks in part to these neurons. 

Studies have shown that social communication involves imitation (Mohandas, 2007). This implies that empathy, understanding, self-awareness, self-regulation, and similar processes that involve the sharing of feelings between self and others can be ‘contagious’ too (Mohandas, 2007). As parents or teachers, we can often find ourselves stressed out, exhausted, and impatient at times. This can cause our mirror neurons to create an unwanted chain reaction that can spread our anxiety, stress, and dysregulation to others. The good news is that this same emotional contagion exists for positive emotions as well. 

As the transition into a new school year can bring about many different feelings, emotions and behaviors, keep in mind that your mirror neurons can play a huge role in changing how your day and your child/student’s day goes. You have the power to alter the climate around you by reflecting and modeling calmness, peace, understanding, and regulation. Furthermore, being aware that other mirror neurons of those around you can affect the way you feel. Be conscious of what you allow into your world, and exude feelings that you yourself would want to feel. The power of mirroring neurons is in your hands.  

Rajmohan V, Mohandas E. Mirror neuron system. Indian J Psychiatry. 2007 Jan;49(1):66-9. doi: 10.4103/0019-5545.31522. PMID: 20640069; PMCID: PMC2900004.