Dr. Fabiano de Abreu Agrela, CPAH – Heraclito Research and Analysis Center
The relationship between insecurity and egocentrism may seem paradoxical at first glance, but in-depth studies suggest that these two aspects are intrinsically connected. Insecure people often develop defense mechanisms that lead them to seek external validation, which translates into egocentric behaviors, often masked by superficial or compensatory empathy. This pattern is not only psychological, but has a solid neurobiological basis, evidenced by the interaction between different brain subregions and neurotransmitters.
The Paradox of Egocentric Empathy
Authentic empathy involves genuinely understanding and sharing another person’s emotional states. However, insecure people often use “empathy” as an outlet to get attention or satisfy their own emotional needs. In this context, empathy ceases to be an altruistic act and becomes a self-centered mechanism for self-validation.
An illustrative example is the behavior of individuals who, under the pretext of “helping others,” emphasize their actions to gain recognition and self-worth. Studies with functional magnetic resonance imaging indicate that, in such cases, there is a hyperactivation of the brain’s reward system (nucleus accumbens and orbitofrontal cortex), reducing functional connectivity with areas associated with genuine empathy, such as the anterior insula and the medial prefrontal cortex.
Neurobiology of Insecurity and Egocentrism
Insecurity activates regions related to fear and reward, creating a cycle of emotional dependence. Regions such as the amygdala and the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex show hyperactivity in situations of perceived threat or need for validation. In addition, the dopaminergic system is predominantly used to reinforce attention-seeking and approval-seeking behaviors, while neurotransmitters such as serotonin and oxytocin, essential for healthy social connections, remain underactivated.
Genetic and Environmental Factors
The levels of egocentrism and insecurity depend on interactions between genetic and environmental factors. Studies suggest that genetic variants related to dopamine (eg, DRD4) and oxytocin (eg, OXTR) modulate the predisposition to these behaviors. Additionally, experiences of emotional neglect in childhood reinforce neural patterns that favor self-reference over prosocial responses.
Implications for Mental Health
Insecure individuals often experience symptoms of anxiety and depression, reinforced by cycles of self-criticism and a relentless search for external validation. This pattern also compromises the ability to exercise compassionate empathy, which harms interpersonal relationships and fuels emotional isolation.
The Path to Emotional Security
Treatment of these patterns should focus on strengthening emotional security and self-regulation, promoting functional integration between reward systems and empathy circuits. Mindfulness-based therapies, empathy training, and neurobiological interventions such as dopaminergic modulation show promise in restructuring these patterns.
Conclusion
The concept that every insecure person has some degree of egocentrism, even if camouflaged, redefines the way we understand the interaction between emotional security, empathy and prosocial behaviors. This study, approved by the CPAH committee and currently under review for publication, contributes to expanding our neuroscientific understanding of the relationship between insecurity, empathy and egocentrism, paving the way for more effective therapeutic interventions.
Dr. Fabiano de Abreu Agrela Rodrigues MRSB is a Post-PhD in Neuroscience elected member of Sigma Xi, member of the Society for Neuroscience in the United States, member of the Royal Society of Biology in the United Kingdom and of the APA – American Philosophical Association also in the United States. Master in Psychology, Degree in Biology and History; also a Technologist in Anthropology and philosophy with various national and international training in Neuroscience and Neuropsychology. Member of the high IQ societies Mensa, Intertel, ISPE High IQ Society, Triple Nine Society, ISI-Society, Numerical and HELLIQ Society High IQ. Author of more than 220 scientific articles and 20 books.