The amygdala, a small structure in the center of our brain, may be involved in our ability to recognize other people’s emotions and in some cases become hyper-empathetic.
The study of the amygdala
It is by studying the brain of psychopathic children, with behavior marked by insensitivity to others, limited self-control and antisocial behaviors such as manipulation or deception, that the role of the amygdala has been highlighted. In the latter, unable to detect fear in others, a good part of this area of the brain was inactive.
Conversely, an overactive amygdala could cause some people to be extra attuned to the fear and pain of others, extraordinarily than others.
Are we all capable of empathy?
We are all equipped with the neurological hardware to express empathy for others and want to help those in distress. However, the greater or lesser activation of the amygdala in particular could be responsible in some for an exacerbated altruism, and in others for an inability to recognize negative emotions.
If we are born with this capacity, it expresses itself differently during our life since a child can be psychopathic but have a different character while growing up.
Read more: “Altruists and psychopaths: Are their brains different from ours?” by Abigail Marsh.