Neural Correlates of Pain, Resilience, and Empathy

Abstract

Currently, pain is understood as a complex phenomenon influenced by biopsychosocial factors, as evidenced by the growing body of research in the "new science of pain." The neurobiology of pain reveals a complex brain network associated with pain perception, with clear implications for emotional disorders such as depression. Empathy and resilience are crucial behavioral skills observed in both humans and animals, with neurobiological bases related to understanding others' emotions and adapting to adverse situations. To this end, a systematic review was conducted in two databases (PubMed and Lilacs), including English articles without date limitations to achieve broader coverage. Initially, 3,649 studies were identified, and after inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied, 72 relevant articles exploring this interrelation were identified, highlighting neurobiological convergences in pain modulation by empathy and resilience. Empathy activates brain areas linked to understanding others' emotions, while resilience is associated with adapting to stressful situations, both sharing neurobiological convergences in pain processing. Therapeutic interventions such as mindfulness and psychotherapy show promise in promoting empathy and resilience, offering new perspectives for chronic pain management. These findings underscore the importance of a multidimensional approach in chronic pain treatment, integrating psychosocial considerations to enhance patient outcomes.