Effects of interoceptive sensibility on skin temperature response in Visual Capture of Ownership

Interoception, alongside exteroception and proprioception, has been shown to give rise to bodily self-awareness. This complex interaction is at the basis of body ownership paradigms, which typically rely on multisensory integration to alter, disrupt or expand the brain’s standard perception of the body. A recent study, however, demonstrated that the simple observation of an external hand can induce a sense of ownership over the hand and result in an increase in skin temperature within a virtual reality setting. In the present study, we aimed to (i) replicate the visual capture of ownership effect in a real-world setting and (ii) explore how interoceptive components affect the visual capture of ownership paradigm and the related modulation of skin temperature. In the experiment, participants were instructed to fix their gaze on a realistic rubber left hand while their real left hand was hidden from view. Feelings of ownership and feelings of agency were assessed through questionnaires, and thermographic measurements were recorded to monitor skin temperature changes. Additionally, interoception was evaluated by administering the Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness (MAIA) questionnaire. Results indicated that participants reported experiencing feelings of ownership and feelings of agency over the rubber hand after mere passive observation. However, no skin temperature changes were detected in response to the paradigm. Notably, an interplay emerged between interoceptive sensibility and skin temperature modulation, suggesting an interaction between these factors. These findings provide new insights into how aspects of body representation and body ownership might be shaped by different perceptual processes and individual differences.