Brigham Young University
by Jamin Rowan
This paper argues that a needs-based approach to storytelling has a unique capacity to connect storytellers and listeners—to create a sense of belonging among them. Based upon an ecologically valid, multi-brain pioneering fNIRS hyperscanning study, this paper sets forth a neuroscience of belonging by measuring the neural connectivity among storytellers and listeners as individuals shared and listened to stories at live storytelling events. This study operationalizes the notion of belonging in three ways: 1) interbrain synchrony (assuming greater synchrony represents greater attachment, indicative of sense of belonging); 2) activity in the Theory of Mind Network (assuming greater activity to be indicative of seeking to understand others and to identify with the group); and 3) activity in the Prefrontal Emotion Regulation Network (indicating emotion regulation associated with developing emotional connections related to belonging), including the DLPFC, VMPFC, OFC, mPFC. More specifically, the paper measures these neurological markers of belonging at moments when storytellers express personal needs, complications, and insights.