A neuroscience perspective on the plasticity of the social and relational brain.

Research in social and contemplative neuroscience has progressed from identifying brain networks for empathy, mentalizing, and compassion to testing whether mental training can change these social skills. Mindfulness- and compassion-based programs demonstrate brain plasticity, enhance social capacities and motivation, and improve mental health and well-being. To address rising mental health problems and loneliness worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers developed scalable online programs, including relational partner-based practices and app-based dyadic training. Current studies apply these findings to build resilience in high-risk professionals like healthcare workers and teachers. Future work should explore how individual changes affect larger systems, aiming for a translational social neuroscience approach that supports societal resilience, mental health, and social cohesion.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Over the past two decades, the fields of social and contemplative neurosciences have made significant strides. Initial research utilizing fMRI identified neuronal networks involved in empathy, mentalizing, and compassion, as well as complex interactions among these networks. Subsequent studies shifted to testing the plasticity of these social skills via different types of mindfulness- or compassion-based mental training programs, demonstrating brain plasticity, enhanced social capacities and motivation, as well as improved mental health and overall well-being. Next, researchers developed scalable evidence-based online mental training programs to address the growing levels of mental health problems and loneliness, both exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Innovative approaches, such as novel relational partner-based practices and online app-based dyadic training programs, offer scalable solutions to counteract ongoing societal and mental health deterioration. Current studies are now applying the above findings to support resilience building within diverse domains of society and professional populations-such as healthcare workers and teachers-at high risk of burn-out. Future research should explore the broader impact of such training-related individual changes on larger systems, potentially leading to the development of a translational social neuroscience approach that leverages insights from social brain plasticity research to support societal needs, thereby enhancing resilience, mental health, and social cohesion.