Neuropsychology's Social Landscape: Common Ground With Social Neuroscience

Looking back 25 years into neuropsychology's past coincides almost perfectly with the birth of social neuroscience as a discipline. Social neuroscience aims to identify the biological bases of social behavior through multilevel analyses of neural, cognitive, and social processes. Neuropsychology, on the other hand, aspires to understand brain-behavior relationships more generally. Given that much of human behavior comprises social interactions, the goals, theories, methods, and findings derived from social neuroscience are likely to have bearing on the issues and interests of neuropsychologists. This review summarizes some of the main developments that have emerged from social neuroscience and their relevance to neuropsychology. Applications of social neuroscience principles are presented in the context of brain insult, assessment, and intervention. Recommendations are made for improving neuropsychological approaches to the evaluation of social cognition and competence. In closing, a discussion of the challenges and possible future directions for the 2 disciplines is offered. General Scientific Summary Neuropsychology and social neuroscience share some common goals and methods. In this review, the contributions of social neuroscience to neuropsychological research and practice are considered and applications of social neuroscience findings to the study of brain disorders, assessment, and intervention are discussed, alongside recommendations for the joint evolution of the 2 disciplines.