Why mind feels pain:

Current status of studies on ostracism from social neuroscience

Abstract

Humans are social animals, and therefore, we experience painful feelings when we are excluded from relationships that we desire. This negative feeling is known as social pain. Evidence from numerous animal and neuroimaging Iiterature suggest that physical and social pain overlap in their function, as well as in the underlying neural circuitry. We have reviewed evidence suggesting that the anterior cingulate cortex plays a key role in physical and social pain, and that opioids, which are related to the decreased perception of physical pain, also decreases the perception of social pain. Furthermore, evolutionary and developmental changes in social pain, as well as individual difference in social pain sensitivity, are discussed. In the section on individual differences, both congenital (genetic) and acquired (social) factors are reviewed. We have also examined the effects of emotional support during ostracism. Finally, we have suggested a new perspective for social pain studies.