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Chapter 43 - Connection, Compassion, and Community

from Part IV - Wellness Interventions

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 September 2020

By
Rebecca Hedrick  and
Kristina Jones
Edited by
Waguih William IsHak
Waguih William IsHak
Affiliation:
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA)
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Summary

Neuroscience reveals that human beings are interdependent creatures, hardwired for empathy and relationship. Natural selection has favored prosocial traits like empathy, kindness, sharing, cooperative play, mutual understanding, perspective taking, and trust [1, 2]. Social connection is central to both physical and mental well-being and increased survival [1, 3]. Conversely, social isolation is correlated with myriad deleterious consequences to health and longevity. Nervous system development, genetic expression, and health are integrally dependent on social connection [4, 5]. Children who are raised within secure environments with healthy bonds of presence, attunement, and resonance and trust will develop a neural framework that promotes receptivity, flexibility, self-understanding, mindful awareness, empathy (the ability to feel with others), and compassion (the feeling that arises when confronted with another’s suffering and desire to alleviate that suffering).

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Chapter
Information
The Handbook of Wellness Medicine , pp. 515 - 524
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2020

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