Social pain is defined here as the experience of interpersonal rejection or loss. This book surveys neuroscience research proving that social pain is the result of the activation of physical
pain systems in the brain, and explores the implications of this research. Part I examines the neurological and physiological bases of social pain, drawing on animal models and human
neuroimaging data to yield new insights on the evolutionary basis of social pain and its genetic, neurological, and physiological components. Part II discusses the effect of social pain in
interpersonal relationships; of special interest is a chapter on the influence of acetaminophen on emotions due to its indirect activation of cannabinoid receptors. Part III looks at social
pain from a biopsychosocial perspective, considering the health implications of social pain, the role of stress in social pain, and the long-term health consequences of bullying. MacDonald
teaches psychology at the University of Toronto. Jensen-Campbell teaches psychology at the University of Texas-Arlington. Annotation 穢2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
