What biological mechanism is associated with empathy?

The association of empathy with mirror neurons stems from their role in the human brain's ability to understand and resonate with the emotions and actions of others. Mirror neurons are specialized brain cells that activate both when an individual performs a specific action and when they observe the same action being performed by someone else. This mirroring effect contributes to the understanding of others' emotions and intentions, fostering empathetic responses.

Research in neuroscience has highlighted that when we see others in pain or experiencing joy, our mirror neurons respond similarly as if we were undergoing those feelings ourselves. This mechanism allows for a deeper emotional connection and understanding between individuals, which is fundamental to empathetic responses. Therefore, the biological mechanism most closely associated with empathy is indeed mirror neurons.