Stress influences social behavior by enhancing cooperation within groups while simultaneously fostering aggression toward those outside the group. The neurophysiological response, involving cortisol and noradrenaline, plays a crucial role in this dynamic. Evidence indicates both heightened aggression and social bonding can occur under stress, suggesting these responses may not be mutually exclusive. Classic views emphasize aggression, but more recent perspectives also recognize 'tend-and-befriend' behaviors in stressful situations. The findings imply a complex interaction between stress and social behavior.
Stress alters social behavior by strengthening bonds within groups and increasing hostility toward outsiders. The neurophysiological stress response, involving cortisol and noradrenaline, drives this phenomenon.
Cortisol promotes cooperation with one's own group; noradrenaline drives aggression toward outgroups. Empirical evidence supports both types of behavior, even though they seem fundamentally opposed.
On the one hand, there's the classic view: Stress provokes aggression and competition. On the other hand, a more recent perspective suggests stress can lead to 'tend-and-befriend' behaviors.
In our new study, we asked whether these social stress responses are, perhaps, not mutually exclusive, but might actually be two sides of the same coin.
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