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.

Self-control is a vital aspect of human development, influencing behavior from early childhood to adulthood. This chapter explores the multifaceted world of self-control, emphasizing its enduring impact on individuals lives. We begin by highlighting the significance of self-control, approach, and avoidance behaviors. The chapter traces the historical evolution of our understanding of how frontal brain regions contribute to emotional and behavioral regulation, drawing from lesion studies and recent research on the prefrontal cortexs role. As children transition to adolescence, their decision-making processes rapidly change. We delve into the developing adolescent brain, shedding light on reward sensitivity and its implications for decision-making, especially in risky and peer-influenced contexts. Adolescence is a pivotal period where various factors, including brain maturation, autonomy, and social environments, shape positive or negative growth trajectories. This chapter unravels the drivers of behavior, neural mechanisms of self-control, and developmental changes, offering valuable insights for public health and policy.