Social Pain Activates the Physical Pain Regions of the Brain

Explanation:
Research using neuroimaging shows that social rejection activates the anterior cingulate cortex—the same region involved in physical pain processing. This suggests the brain treats threats to social belonging similarly to bodily harm, reflecting our evolutionary need for social connection (Eisenberger et al., 2003).

Example:
Being excluded from a conversation triggers emotional pain that feels physically uncomfortable.

Citation:
Eisenberger, N. I., et al. (2003). Does rejection hurt? Science, 302(5643), 290–292.