Linking the inner and outer body representation with social cognition skills: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Following an exciting interpretation of embodiment, mental representations in bodily formats have an essential role in social cognition. However, the nature of this relationship is still debated at the empirical level. This systematic review and meta- analysis investigates the relationship between inner and outer body mental representations and core social cognition aspects like empathy and theory of mind (ToM) in adulthood. Our meta-analytic findings indicate that the tendency to focus on one's interoceptive feelings is positively related to cognitive and affective empathy, while the accurate monitoring of internal body states is only positively related to cognitive empathy. There is also evidence that an excessive focus on internal bodily sensations might hinder understanding others' affective states (affective ToM). On the other hand, body representations more related to external body processing could be positively associated with cognitive ToM. These results suggest diverse links between social cognition components and bodily representations, supporting multi-faceted and embodied social cognition models. Critical knowledge gaps were also identified, highlighting the need for further investigation.