Contextual social cognition and fronto temporo-insular networks

Social cognition relies on the implicit and subtle contextual information present during social interactions. We describe an anatomo-functional model, called SCNM (Social Context Network Model), to explain contextual processing in social situations. We also show how the alteration of the different nodes of the SCNM underlies social cognition deficits in frontotemporal dementia, fronto-insular lesions, neurodevelopmental diseases and other neuropsychiatric conditions. Classical decontextualized approaches of social cognition are discussed in light of recent studies based on the SCNM. This theoretical model provides a set of hypothesis that allows a better evaluation and understanding of the processes underlying social cognition deficits. Its clinical implementation comprises the development of more efficient diagnostic instruments to detect and characterize neurological and psychiatric diseases, alongside with the implementation of rehabilitation therapies that better mimic real life situations.