Somatosensory prediction attenuation prevents humans from tickling themselves
the verdict
SUPPORTED
the evidence backs this
confidence 95/100
Extensive psychological and neuroimaging evidence demonstrates that internal forward models in the brain generate predictive signals about self-produced movements, which attenuate somatosensory feedback and prevent humans from successfully tickling themselves.
Evidence for · 5
The emulation theory of representation: Motor control, imagery, and perception
2004 · cited by 1,386
Discusses how internal models use efference copies during motor control to provide expectations and reduce sensory feedback effects.
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More for · 4
Why canʼt you tickle yourself?
2000 · cited by 921
Proposes that attenuation of self-produced tactile stimulation (such as tickling) is driven by sensory predictions from internal forward models.
Motor imagery involves predicting the sensory consequences of the imagined movement
2018 · cited by 306
Demonstrates that imagined self-touch also produces sensory attenuation, supporting the role of forward models in predicting sensory consequences.
Attenuation of Self-Generated Tactile Sensations Is Predictive, not Postdictive
2006 · cited by 244
Provides evidence that sensory attenuation of self-generated touch relies on a predictive process rather than postdictive judgment.
Functional Connectivity between the Cerebellum and Somatosensory Areas Implements the Attenuation of Self-Generated Touch
2019 · cited by 120
Shows that corticocerebellar functional connectivity implements the predictive attenuation of self-generated touch, explaining why it feels less ticklish.