Emotional Intelligence for IT Professionals

Neuroscience behind empathy

In a study published in the Journal of Neuroscience in October 2013, Max Planck researchers identified that the tendency to be egocentric is innate for human beings, but part of our brain recognizes a lack of empathy and autocorrects. This specific part of our brain is called the right supramarginal gyrus. When this brain region doesn't function properly or, when we have to make particularly quick decisions, the ability for empathy is dramatically reduced. This area of the brain helps us to distinguish our own emotional state from that of other people and is responsible for empathy and compassion. The supramarginal gyrus is a part of the cerebral cortex and is approximately located at the junction of the parietal, ...