LPP markers: Rescuers in the 1994 Rwandan genocide show stronger neuronal empathy
In a field study using portable EEG devices, researchers at the University of Ghent compared the brain activity of former perpetrators, bystanders and rescuers of the 1994 Tutsi genocide.
Rescuers reacted to the expression of suffering of other people with significantly stronger Late Positive Potential (LPP), a marker of emotional empathy, than perpetrators and bystanders. This increased processing correlated with higher rates of prosocial disobedience to immoral orders.
Former perpetrators obeyed genocide instructions more often and showed less sense of responsibility. There were no stable neuronal differences between perpetrators and bystanders – an indication that mass violence is less due to fixed personality traits than to situational factors such as propaganda and fear.
Across all groups, more than half refused immoral orders – significantly more than in studies with younger Rwandans after the genocide. Rescuers reflected longer and named more diverse motives such as empathy, upbringing and role models from childhood.
The results support Hannah Arendt’s concept of the “banality of evil” and expand classical obedience experiments to include real genocide experiences. The study was published in “American Psychologist”.
Original Paper:
Editor: X-Press Journalistenbüro GbR
Gender Notice. The personal designations used in this text always refer equally to female, male and diverse persons. Double/triple naming and gendered designations are used for better readability. ected.
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