Mind & Life Jim Coan – Our Social Baseline
Dec 12, 2024
Join psychologist Jim Coan, a prominent researcher at the University of Virginia, as he explores the profound impact of social connections on our brain and body. He dives into how hand-holding can reduce pain, the importance of social support for emotional health, and the concept of social baseline theory. Jim shares how relationships shape our sense of self and belonging, along with innovative ways to communicate science through art, especially during challenging times like climate change. This insightful conversation highlights the essential role of connection in human well-being.
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Hand-Holding Breakthrough
- Jim Coan's patient, a WWII veteran, struggled to discuss his trauma.
- Hand-holding from his wife didn't soothe him, but it unlocked emotional expression, enabling therapy.
Unexpected Brain Activity
- Initial brain scans of hand-holding during stress showed reduced activity in emotion and prefrontal cortex areas.
- This challenged the prevailing view of the prefrontal cortex as the primary emotion regulation mechanism.
Social Baseline Theory
- Social baseline theory posits that the presence of others is our default state, not isolation.
- Being alone increases brain activity, requiring self-regulation, explaining the hand-holding study results.