title: 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.
authors: Center for Neuroeconomics Studies, Claremont Graduate University Claremont, CA, USA ; Department of Neurology, Loma Linda University Medical Center Loma Linda, CA, USA.
authors: Paul J
authors: PJ
authors: Zak
authors: Jorge A
authors: JA
authors: Barraza
keywords: economics; empathy; neuroscience; oxytocin; prosocial behavior