A Functional and Neuroanatomical Model of Dehumanization

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychology
• Social Cognition

Background:

• Dehumanization is a significant societal problem with poorly understood neurobiological underpinnings.
• Physicians lack comprehensive knowledge of the brain mechanisms driving dehumanizing behaviors.
• Understanding brain-behavior localization in disorders offers insights into dehumanization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the distinct neurobiological mechanisms of animalistic and mechanistic dehumanization.
• To explore the role of specific brain regions in different forms of dehumanization.
• To differentiate the origins of dehumanization to inform mitigation strategies.

Main Methods:

• Examining brain-behavior localization related to dehumanization.
• Analyzing manifestations of dehumanization in patients with brain disorders.
• Correlating neurobiological mechanisms with distinct forms of dehumanization.

Main Results:

• Animalistic dehumanization (infrahumanization) may involve increased activity in the inferior frontal gyrus, linked to inhibited empathy.
• Mechanistic dehumanization may stem from hypofunction of a mentalization network (vmPFC/sgACC), affecting mind-attribution.
• Frontotemporal dementia is associated with mechanistic dehumanization, while developmental factors may influence animalistic dehumanization.

Conclusions:

• Animalistic and mechanistic dehumanization represent distinct processes with different neurobiological origins.
• Identifying these distinct mechanisms is crucial for developing targeted interventions to reduce dehumanization.
• Further research into the neurobiology of dehumanization can guide clinical and societal efforts.