Historical myths promote cooperation through affective states

Behav Brain Sci. 2025 Jan 2:47:e193. doi: 10.1017/S0140525X24000700.

Abstract

Although we agree that historical myths function to increase cooperation in the groups that share them, we propose that the mechanisms at work may include affective states. We suggest that sharing historical myths can create a felt sense of intimacy, similarity, and security among group members, which increases trust and motivates cooperation, even without particular beliefs about population structure.

MeSH terms

  • Affect* / physiology
  • Cooperative Behavior*
  • Humans
  • Interpersonal Relations
  • Motivation
  • Trust / psychology