Experiencing Others: The Science of Empathy

Abstract

Empathy is the ability to feel others’ perceptions as own, which is present from birth and shapes human lives. The development of newer neurophysiological assessment tools and the concept of the whole-brain network has shed more light on its neurological basis and how it shapes our social adaptations. Contrary to the existing notion of cortical areas controlling specific tasks and limbic system controlling emotions, the role of shared networks, allostatic–interoceptive systems operating on multimodal predictions, mirror neurons, and specific neurotransmitters in empathy is quite evident. The salience network is one such non-specific neural network that connects the brain areas primarily responsible for empathy, namely the cingulate cortex, insular cortex, and part of the thalamus, hypothalamus, amygdala, substantia nigra, ventral tegmental area, and ventral striatum. The meticulously crafted mirror neuron system also modulates empathy as it determines the imitation capability. Marked changes in empathy are seen in conditions like schizophrenia, major depressive disorders, bipolar disorder, and dementia. It is implicated in learning, development of social skills, mutual trust and compassion, improved workplace environment, performance, and personal relations, and promoting positive lifestyle and happiness. A substantial level of deep empathy and social relationships contribute to happiness and vice-versa.