Abstract
In recent years, neuroscience has made tremendous progress in the research on social dimensions of the human brain. These findings are closely related with theories of the person-centered approach (PCA). This chapter gives an overview of neurobiological research findings, which elucidate the multifaceted mutual interferences involved in interpersonal encounter. It is argued that the impact of the so-called core conditions of empathy, unconditional positive regard, and congruence is mediated by various neurobiological and psychosocial processes. These processes build the “Circle of Contact” which is assumed to be essential for the formation of well-functioning social relationships.
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Notes
- 1.
It can be assumed that neuroception is closely related with the process of subception conceived by Rogers (1959): “Thus it appears that the organism can discriminate a stimulus and its meaning for the organism without utilizing the higher nerve centers involved in awareness. It is this capacity which, in theory, permits the individual to discriminate an experience as threatening, without symbolization in awareness of this threat” (p. 200).
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Lux, M. (2013). The Circle of Contact: A Neuroscience View on the Formation of Relationships. In: Cornelius-White, J., Motschnig-Pitrik, R., Lux, M. (eds) Interdisciplinary Handbook of the Person-Centered Approach. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-7141-7_6
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