AUTHOR=Zak Paul J., Barraza Jorge A.

TITLE=The neurobiology of collective action

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Neuroscience

VOLUME=7

YEAR=2013

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnins.2013.00211

DOI=10.3389/fnins.2013.00211

ISSN=1662-453X

ABSTRACT=<p>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.</p>