A neuroscience perspective on the plasticity of the social and relational brain.
Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences May 1, 2025 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.15319 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Interventions | compassion-based mental training online mental training programs relational partner-based practices online app-based dyadic training programs |
| Topics | Neuroplasticity |
| Keywords | Compassion Dyads Empathy Mental training Social neuroscience Theory of mind |
| Citations | 8 |
| Key findings | Mindfulness- and compassion-based mental training programs demonstrate brain plasticity and enhance social capacities, motivation, mental health, and well-being. |
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.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on neuroplasticity, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| A neurotrophic hypothesis of depression: role of synaptogenesis in the actions of NMDA receptor antagonists | 2012 | Review | |
| Towards an understanding of psychedelic-induced neuroplasticity. Review of preclinical and clinical studies | 2023 | Review | |
| Buddha's Brain: Neuroplasticity and Meditation [In the Spotlight] | 2008 | Review | |
| Neuroplasticity as a convergent mechanism of ketamine and classical psychedelics | 2021 | Review | |
| Psychedelics in Psychiatry: Neuroplastic, Immunomodulatory, and Neurotransmitter Mechanisms | 2020 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cites 75
- How Does Mindfulness Meditation Work? Proposing Mechanisms of Action From a Conceptual and Neural Perspective Perspectives on Psychological Science October 14, 2011
- Open hearts build lives: Positive emotions, induced through loving-kindness meditation, build consequential personal resources. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology October 27, 2008
- Meditation Programs for Psychological Stress and Well-being JAMA Internal Medicine January 6, 2014
- Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Stress Management in Healthy People: A Review and Meta-Analysis The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine May 1, 2009
- Meditation experience is associated with increased cortical thickness Neuroreport November 7, 2005
and 70 more in the library