%A Zak,Paul %A Barraza,Jorge %D 2013 %J Frontiers in Neuroscience %C %F %G English %K Oxytocin,Prosocial Behavior,Neuroscience,Economics,Empathy %Q %R 10.3389/fnins.2013.00211 %W %L %M %P %7 %8 2013-November-19 %9 Review %+ Dr Paul Zak,Claremont Graduate University,Center for Neuroeconomics Studies,160 E. 10th St.,Claremont,91711-6165,CA,United States,paul@neuroeconomicstudies.org %+ Dr Paul Zak,Loma Linda University Medical Center,Neurology,Loma Linda,92354,CA,United States,paul@neuroeconomicstudies.org %# %! The Neurobiology of Collective Action %* %< %T The neurobiology of collective action %U https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnins.2013.00211 %V 7 %0 JOURNAL ARTICLE %@ 1662-453X %X This essay introduces a neurologically-informed mathematical model of collective action (CA) that reveals the role for empathy and distress in motivating costly helping behaviors. We report three direct tests of model with a key focus on the neuropeptide oxytocin as well as a variety of indirect tests. These studies, from our lab and other researchers, show support for the model. Our findings indicate that empathic concern, via the brain's release of oxytocin, is a trigger for CA. We discuss the implications from this model for our understanding why human beings engage in costly CA.