The neural circuitry of social homeostasis: Consequences of acute versus chronic social isolation

Social homeostasis is the ability of individuals to detect the quantity and quality of social contact, compare it to an established set-point in a command center, and adjust the effort expended to seek the optimal social contact expressed via an effector system. Social contact becomes a positive or negative valence stimulus when it is deficient or in excess, respectively. Chronic deficits lead to set-point adaptations such that reintroduction to the previous optimum is experienced as a surplus. Here, we build upon previous models for social homeostasis to include adaptations to lasting changes in environmental conditions, such as with chronic isolation.

Automated summary

Social homeostasis refers to the ability of individuals to detect, compare, and adjust their social contact based on a set-point, with the aim of seeking optimal social interaction. Chronic deficits in social contact lead to adaptations in set-points, causing reintroduction to previous levels to be perceived as excessive. This model also includes adaptations to lasting changes in environmental conditions, such as chronic isolation.