[LUM#3] The Brain Nourished by Connection

[LUM Magazine] - Published on August 23, 2016 in Science and Society

What nourishes the human brain? Social connections, say psychiatrists. Our relationships with others are the fuel for our development. Is man a social animal? We’ve known that for a long time. But perhaps we didn’t realize just how much…

Amaria Baghdadli says that when she studies the brain, she does so indirectly—by focusingon “behaviors and the life paths of individuals.” This outside perspective offers a highly informative window into this dynamic organ, one of whose key characteristics is that it is constantly developing

What would I be without the other person?

This development doesn’t happen on its own, but through social interaction, which proves vital from the very beginning. In terms of brain development, the final months of pregnancy are a major construction phase: this is when the baby’s neurons begin to organize themselves to form the cortex.“At birth, everything is already hardwired. What’s already present is a complex communicative ability. The baby is ready to speak and to think. But above all, to interact,” explains the psychiatrist.
Yet these skills still need to be developed. How?“Through active experimentation, particularly through interactions.” Communication thus proves to be an indispensable condition for development: without it, the young human cannot develop. To be fulfilled, genetic potential requires this nourishment: social connection…
What would I be without others?“I don’t believe that self-awareness can exist without awareness of others,” asserts Amaria Baghdadli. The capacity for empathy is thus one of the key building blocks of the human being.“It means recognizing that others are like me. And at the same time, not confusing them with myself: I know I am both similar and different.”

You miss that connection, and everything feels deserted

“Social motivation”—the drive that compels us to interact with others—is thus a key element of development. It is a skill that emerges as early as a child’s first year of life—and one that children with autism lack. Yet without it, proper development cannot occur. This can then affect your entire social autonomy. This is a serious disability, resulting in significant difficulties in applying social codes and conventions, understanding those around you, expressing yourself, and finding your place in society…
The brain never stops developing. Similarly, our dependence on others accompanies us throughout our entire lives. A baby who suffers from a lack of attention is at risk of developing serious disorders. At the other end of life, nothing has changed.“Old age is simply another stage of development. Among the factors that determine an older person’s vulnerability, human relationships are very important. We need social interaction throughout our lives: it is a key factor in protecting the individual against all difficult situations.”
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Keywords: LUM#3, LUM Magazine, Research, Health, Company