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Unlock This CourseHave you ever wondered why some people seem naturally more helpful and kind than others? Or why you might feel more generous and cooperative on some days compared to others? The answer might lie in your brain chemistry, specifically a chemical called serotonin. This session explores how this important neurotransmitter influences our tendency to help others and engage in prosocial behaviour.
Key Definitions:
Serotonin is produced mainly in the brain and intestines. In the brain, it acts like a chemical messenger, helping nerve cells communicate. When serotonin levels are balanced, we tend to feel happier, calmer and more socially connected. Low serotonin is linked to depression, anxiety and antisocial behaviour.
Research has shown that serotonin plays a crucial role in making us more likely to help others. When serotonin levels are higher, people tend to be more cooperative, generous and empathetic. This happens because serotonin affects areas of the brain involved in decision-making and emotional regulation.
Scientists have discovered several ways that serotonin promotes helping behaviour. Higher serotonin levels make us more sensitive to others' emotions, better at controlling our impulses and more willing to sacrifice our own interests for others' benefit.
Serotonin helps us manage our emotions better, making us less likely to act selfishly when stressed or upset. This emotional stability allows us to consider others' needs.
Higher serotonin levels increase our ability to understand and share others' feelings, making us more motivated to help when we see someone in distress.
Serotonin strengthens our ability to resist selfish impulses and choose behaviours that benefit the group rather than just ourselves.
Researchers gave participants either a serotonin-boosting supplement or a placebo, then asked them to play economic games involving sharing money. Those who received the serotonin boost were significantly more likely to reject unfair offers and make fairer decisions, even when it cost them money. This suggests serotonin directly influences our sense of fairness and willingness to help others.
Multiple studies have provided strong evidence for the link between serotonin and prosocial behaviour. These studies use various methods to measure serotonin levels and observe helping behaviour in controlled settings.
Researchers temporarily reduce serotonin by limiting tryptophan (serotonin's building block) in participants' diets. Results consistently show that people with depleted serotonin are less cooperative and more aggressive in social situations.
fMRI scans show that when people engage in prosocial behaviour, brain areas rich in serotonin receptors become more active. This provides direct evidence that serotonin is involved in helping behaviour.
This study examined how serotonin affects moral decision-making. Participants with higher serotonin levels were more likely to help strangers, even when helping required personal sacrifice. They also showed greater activity in brain regions associated with empathy and moral reasoning. This research demonstrates that serotonin doesn't just make us feel good – it makes us more moral.
Understanding the role of serotonin in prosocial behaviour has important implications for everyday life. It helps explain why certain factors that boost serotonin – like exercise, sunlight and social connection – also tend to make us more helpful and cooperative.
Bright light increases serotonin production. This may explain why people tend to be more helpful and social during sunny weather and why seasonal depression affects prosocial behaviour.
Regular exercise boosts serotonin levels naturally. Athletes and active individuals often report feeling more positive and helpful towards others.
Positive social interactions increase serotonin, creating a positive cycle where helping others makes us feel good, which makes us more likely to help again.
While the serotonin explanation for prosocial behaviour is well-supported by research, it's important to consider both its strengths and limitations as a complete explanation of helping behaviour.
Research shows that people with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), who have lower serotonin levels during winter months, are less likely to engage in prosocial behaviour. However, light therapy that increases serotonin not only improves mood but also increases charitable giving and volunteering. This real-world example demonstrates the practical importance of understanding serotonin's role in helping behaviour.
The biological explanation of prosocial behaviour through serotonin provides valuable insights into why we help others. While it doesn't explain everything about human kindness and cooperation, it offers a solid foundation for understanding the brain chemistry behind our most positive social behaviours. By recognising how serotonin influences our tendency to help, we can better understand ourselves and potentially find ways to encourage more prosocial behaviour in society.
Remember that prosocial behaviour results from a complex interaction of biological, psychological and social factors. Serotonin is just one piece of the puzzle, but it's an important piece that helps explain why helping others often makes us feel good – and why feeling good makes us more likely to help others.