Neurological perspective

The emerging field of social neuroscience provides a fresh perspective into the neurobiological factors that influence social emotions, perceptions, and behavior to show how the brain adapts to social interactions. “Influence” is an important concept here because a fundamental assumption in neurology is that the brain is malleable; it is capable of changing and adapting until it dies (Johns Hopkins Medicine, 2008; Fischer, 2008; Valenzuela, 2005). In other words, humans can learn, adapt, and develop throughout their lifespan (Cohen, 2006).

Rather than reducing complex behaviors to biological mechanics in the brain, social neuroscience sees humans as “psycho-social organisms” (Myers, 2008, p. 8). From this perspective, the brain and the mind belong to the same system, making the dynamic interplay among biological, psychological, and social influences key considerations for research. By integrating neurology with social psychology, social neuroscience has the “potential to advance the study of intergroup phenomena by providing overlapping insights one cannot glean from behavioral data alone” (Dovidio, Pearson, & Orr, 2008, p. 260).

For example, observing brain images, neuroscientists think they have found an overlap between the brain's social pain and physical pain centers. This indicates that social isolation or social injury causes a cognitive sensation similar to physiological pain. Geoff MacDonald (2009) proposed that social rejection triggers a primitive psychological emergency that motivated human ancestors to develop and maintain social connections required for survival. MacDonald concluded that

“It appears increasingly clear that one of the most important proximal motivators of such social approach and avoidance tendencies is the genuine feeling of pain that helps protect our connections to others” (p. 22).

This process can also be contributing to the peer pressure that drives individuals to commit acts against their interests so that they can be part of the group. For example, participate in gang activities or commit unethical acts at work to be a team player.

Neuroanatomist John Allman (2000) proposed that the complexity of the adult brain has evolved as a direct result of social interaction, particularly the interaction that exists “with the establishment of the human family as a social and reproductive unit” (p. 2). Further, neurophysiologist William Calvin (1996) said that the challenges of social life are of “primary importance” in evolution because the “innovative problem solving” necessary for dealing with social encounters have influenced the brain to evolve to its current state.

Social intelligence allows humans and other social beings to build sensory templates for understanding oneself in relation to others, develop the memory capacity necessary to track social interactions and adapt behaviors to attract mates, and build the relationships needed for survival. Allman (2000) identified a specialized cell—the von Economo neuron—that governs social interplay among social beings, like humans, elephants, and whales. The von Economo neuron is in an area of the brain associated with social activities. It directly connects to self-monitoring functions and social emotions. This connection gave primitive humans a survival edge by allowing them to determine friend or foe in a fraction of a second. The von Economo neuron may also be central to wiring for social intelligence, enabling individuals to understand correctly and interact within a social context (Chen, 2009).