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The neurobiology of collective action.

ABSTRACT: This essay introduces a neurologically-informed mathematical model of collective action (CA) that reveals the role for empathy and distress in motivating costly helping behaviors. We report three direct tests of model with a key focus on the neuropeptide oxytocin as well as a variety of indirect tests. These studies, from our lab and other researchers, show support for the model. Our findings indicate that empathic concern, via the brain's release of oxytocin, is a trigger for CA. We discuss the implications from this model for our understanding why human beings engage in costly CA.

SUBMITTER: Zak PJ

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3832785 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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The neurobiology of collective action.

Zak Paul J PJ Barraza Jorge A JA

Frontiers in neuroscience 20131119

This essay introduces a neurologically-informed mathematical model of collective action (CA) that reveals the role for empathy and distress in motivating costly helping behaviors. We report three direct tests of model with a key focus on the neuropeptide oxytocin as well as a variety of indirect tests. These studies, from our lab and other researchers, show support for the model. Our findings indicate that empathic concern, via the brain's release of oxytocin, is a trigger for CA. We discuss the ...[more]

PMID: 24311995

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