A neurobiological association of revenge propensity during intergroup conflict

Abstract

Revenge during intergroup conflict is a human universal, but its neurobiological underpinnings remain unclear. We address this by integrating functional MRI and measurements of endogenous oxytocin in participants who view an ingroup and an outgroup member's suffering that is caused mutually (Revenge group) or by a computer (Control group). We show that intergroup conflict encountered by the Revenge group is associated with an increased level of oxytocin in saliva compared to that in the Control group. Furthermore, the medial prefrontal activity in response to ingroup pain in the Revenge group but not in the Control group mediates the association between endogenous oxytocin and the propensity to give painful electric shocks to outgroup members, regardless of whether they were directly involved in the conflict. Our findings highlight an important neurobiological correlate of revenge propensity, which may be implicated in conflict contagion across individuals in the context of intergroup conflict.

Using social and behavioural science to support COVID-19 pandemic response

“…For instance, being threatened with disease is often associated with higher levels of ethnocentrism 22 ; greater fear and perceived threat are associated with greater intolerance and punitive attitudes toward out-groups [23][24][25] . Highlighting group boundaries can undermine empathy with those who are socially distant 26,27 and increase dehumanization 28 or punishment 29 .…”

Using social and behavioural science to support COVID-19 pandemic response

“…For instance, being threatened with disease is often associated with higher levels of ethnocentrism 22 ; greater fear and perceived threat are associated with greater intolerance and punitiveness toward out-groups [23][24][25] . Highlighting group boundaries can undermine empathy with those who are socially distant 26,27 and increase dehumanization 28 or punishment 29 .…”

Global impacts of pre- and post-COVID-19 pandemic: Focus on socio-economic consequences

“…Mostly the behaviour of individuals get effected by the practice of their thinking about what other people think or do, they follow the same [ 43 ]. A number of literature has been reported regarding several thought practices related to moral values and ethics [ 43 , 44 ]. In spite of the fact that people are obstructed by values, their recognitions are usually inaccurate [ 45 ].…”