Social Brain Goes to School

Social Brain Goes to School: How Relationships Power Learning

size. It’s like our brains were saying, “Hey, we need more capacity for social connections!” And so, our social brain structures adapted, allowing us to engage in intricate social inter- actions that have become fundamental to our human lives.

With the alarming rise in the mental health needs among today’s youth, it is crucial to examine how the school experience can mit- igate these challenges. Fortunately, psycho- logical research provides valuable insights to combat student feelings of isolation and lone- liness. By intentionally fostering social con- nections within the educational environment, schools can create a transformative place where students’ well-being, sense of belong- ing, and academic success go hand in hand. Purposefully prioritizing peer interactions not only addresses mental health needs, but also is a key neuroscience strategy to enhance stu- dent learning outcomes.

An Emerging Youth Mental Health Crisis

It is impossible to ignore the pressing issue of the mental health crisis among today’s young people. In recent years, rates of anxiety, depression, and other mental health disor- ders have reached alarming heights, leaving a profound impact on students’ overall well-be- ing, school attendance, and academic per- formance. We all are aware of youth who are struggling with their mental health – the high school student who is experiencing such deep feelings of anxiety and loneliness that attend- ing school regularly is difficult, or the mid - dle school student who has retreated within herself, shutting out connection with friends, family, and school. Multiple data points underscore the urgency to address student socialization. Recent national surveys of young people conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Pre- vention (CDC) revealed disturbing increases in the mental health challenges of US high school students. In 2021, 42% of high school students and 57% of female students reported such persistent feelings of sadness or hopeless- ness for at least 2 weeks in a row during the past year that they stopped their normal activ- ities. 6 Key data in the US Surgeon General’s Advisory on Loneliness reveals that impaired mental health can increase a person’s risk of death by 26%, comparable to smoking 15 cig- arettes a day. 7 The repercussions of loneliness and social isolation are substantial, affecting physical, mental, behavioral, and cognitive health.

The Power of Social Signals: Decoding Human Interaction

Have you ever wondered how we under- stand someone’s emotions just by listening to their tone of voice? Or how we can interpret meaning from facial expressions and body language? These social signals are crucial for understanding and responding to others. They allow us to gauge emotional states, discern the meaning behind statements, and connect with those around us. Without the ability to interpret these signals, forming meaningful relationships becomes challenging .8 When we hear someone’s voice, we instantly pick up on the subtle cues that reveal their emotional state. It’s like a melody that carries meaning. And when we observe someone’s facial expressions and body language, we can gauge their emotions, intentions, and even attitudes. It’s like reading a story written on their faces and in their movements. These social signals are the language of human inter- action, and our Social Brain is fluent in under - standing and responding to them.