LOVE: The science behind it

Love is a complex experience that involves various cognitive, emotional, and behavioral processes, and its scientific understanding has been the subject of research across different fields. Here are some of the notable findings from scientific research on the science behind love.

Image: Science behind love

Source:https://sitn.hms.harvard.edu/flash/2017/love-actually-science-behind-lust-attraction-companionship/

Cognitive and Emotional Processes

A study published in the journal Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience in 2012 found that the brain activity in people who were in romantic love was similar to the activity in people who were addicted to drugs. The study suggested that the "reward system" in the brain that responds to drugs is also activated when people are in love. Another study published in the journal PLOS ONE in 2015 found that when people were in love, their brains showed increased activity in areas associated with self-referential thinking, such as the medial prefrontal cortex. The study suggested that people in love may prioritize the perception and maintenance of their relationship over their own self-interest.

Behavioral Processes

A study published in the journal Evolutionary Psychology in 2013 found that the physical features of a person's face can influence their perceived attractiveness to potential partners. The study suggested that facial symmetry, clear skin, and healthy hair were among the physical attributes that made people more attractive to others. A study published in the journal Psychological Science in 2008 found that the use of humor by men increased their perceived attractiveness to women. The study suggested that humor may be a signal of intelligence and creativity, which are attractive traits in potential partners.

Physiological Processes

The release of hormones such as dopamine, oxytocin, and testosterone have been found to play a role in the physiological processes involved in love. A study published in the journal Nature in 2010 found that when people looked at a photo of someone they were in love with, there was increased activity in the brain's reward centers, particularly the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and the caudate nucleus. These regions of the brain are known to be involved in the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that is associated with pleasure and reward.

A study published in the journal Psychoneuroendocrinology in 2019 found that the release of oxytocin in response to social contact was associated with greater feelings of love and support. The study suggested that oxytocin may be involved in the formation and maintenance of social bonds, including romantic relationships.

In conclusion, scientific research has revealed various cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and physiological processes that contribute to the experience of love. These findings provide insight into the complex nature of love and its impact on human behavior and wellbeing.