Understanding the Neurobiology of Social Withdrawal and Avoidance: Exploring Brain Structure, Function, Neural Processes, and Biological Markers
A special issue of Brain Sciences (ISSN 2076-3425). This special issue belongs to the section "Neuropsychology".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2024) | Viewed by 203
Special Issue Editor
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
The concept that humans are inherently social beings, supported by influential 20th-century studies in anthropology, ethology and psychology, and the Aristotelian idea that ‘man being is a social animal by nature’, is being challenged by the recent literature. The emerging corpus of the literature reveals a widespread occurrence of social withdrawal and avoidance behaviour (SWA), leading to what can be described as a "silence epidemic" of social isolation and reclusive lifestyles worldwide. People actively avoid opportunities for peer interaction, instead engaging in solitary pursuits and exhibiting avoidant behaviour, which can contribute to social isolation and the perception of being misanthropic. Studies have labelled such temperament, conduct and coping methods as pathological social withdrawal, social disease, loneliness, avoidant personality disorder, hikikomori, social phobia/social anxiety disorder and Taijin Kyofusho. With the emergence of the pandemic, when lockdowns and social isolation were promoted to curb the spread of infection which, in turn, led to the proliferation of SWA.
Although the magnitude and phenomenology of SWA have received attention, there is a lack of research examining the structure, function, neural processes and biological markers of the brain associated with SWA. Exploring these biological markers and neuropsychological profiles holds great potential to gain valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms of SWA. By understanding the neurobiological and cognitive aspects of these behaviours, researchers and clinicians can develop targeted interventions that address the specific challenges and impairments faced by individuals. Thus, this Special Issue highlights the critical need for more research in this field to advance our understanding and improve treatment approaches for social withdrawal and avoidance behaviour.
Prof. Dr. Samir Al-Adawi
Guest Editor
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Keywords
- social withdrawal
- avoidance behaviour
- loneliness
- neurobiology
- neuropsychology
- brain structure
- brain function
- neural processes
- biological markers
