[TheStranger]

So, I was perusing Simon Baron-Cohen's book The Science of Evil: On Empathy and the Origins of Human Cruelty and I'm wondering if there is somewhat of a connection between social anxiety and lack of empathy. To clarify, I realize those with strong empathy also can lack social anxiety, and those with a lack of empathy don't necessarily develop social anxiety. I suppose I'm wondering if lack of empathy can be one of many causes of the disorder.

The book touches on the "Empathy circuit" parts of the brain that allow empathy to occur in someone. It described how the ventral prefrontal cortex, allows us to view others' situation in ourselves, being double focused the book talked about how having single-focus discharges empathy. I wonder if perhaps I'm too single-focused? Thoughts on this rabble?

[tomyc993]

This is a very interesting topic. I would say their definitely appears to be some basic truth in this. I wonder if this can be put down to basic logic? I'd say this is potentially a cyclic problem. If you suffer social anxiety, perhaps you do become to inwardly focused and mix with people less. Therefore, I suppose practically it could be harder to empathize with people, because you don't adapt to them... In turn, your misunderstanding of certain types of people could feed your social anxiety?

[Zsych]

I think you have to be relaxed to be able to feel your emotions - the softer ones anyway.

[metallingus]

	Originally Posted by TheStranger To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
	I'm wondering if there is somewhat of a connection between social anxiety and lack of empathy.

As far as i know ... Lack of empathy and social stress (in both males and females) may be caused by variation of the oxytocin receptors and low quantities of oxytocin released into the brain & bloodstream.

[seeyouatx]

I don't believe you have to be more relaxed to feel the softer emotions, but I do think that in order to feel empathy, one must first be able to relate to people. Perhaps having social anxiety is in part caused by a lack of relation to others, which creates a mental panic. However, I do believe that the relationship is only relevant on a person-to-person basis.

[phoboser]

	Originally Posted by TheStranger To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
	I suppose I'm wondering if lack of empathy can be one of many causes of the disorder.

Causation can work both ways. People with poor empathy find social connections more difficult to build and maintain and find interaction confusing, which can be stressful. So interaction has lower reward-potential and is more stressful, which can lead to social anxiety.

Alternatively, people tend to dislike that which makes them afraid or uncomfortable, and it's difficult to empathize with those you dislike.