Reward Learning in a Social World

doi:10.1017/9781009342919.022

Chapter 17 - Reward Learning in a Social World

from Section IV - Emotional Learning and Memory

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 16 September 2025

Casey M. Nicastri ,

Jordan M. Dejoie ,

Dominic S. Fareri and

Mauricio R. Delgado

Edited by

Jorge Armony and

Patrik Vuilleumier

Show author details

Jorge Armony: Affiliation:
McGill University, Montréal
Patrik Vuilleumier: Affiliation:
University of Geneva

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Summary

Humans are inherently social beings, driven by a fundamental need to belong. To fulfill this need for social connection, neural circuits of reward processing are co-opted to value social rewards derived from social interactions. These circuits play a critical role in our pursuit of social relationships, enabling us to learn about others and strengthen connections. In this chapter, we delve into basic reward circuitry that facilitates social learning, and how such circuitry supports brain networks involved in unique social phenomena, such as theory of mind and empathy. We then explore how this understanding of neural mechanisms informs decision-making in complex social situations. Furthermore, we discuss how research into rewarding social outcomes can shed light on coping mechanisms for challenges such as isolation and pervasive social media use. By examining the interplay between our social nature and neural processes, we gain insight into navigating the complexities of human interaction and well-being.

Keywords

Social context reinforcement learning social decision-making reward circuitry

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Type: Chapter
Information: The Cambridge Handbook of Human Affective Neuroscience , pp. 346 - 362

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009342919.022 [Opens in a new window]

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Print publication year: 2025

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