Biological Explanations of Love 

“Researchers using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to study brain activity have found an interplay between hormones, chemicals, and neurotransmitters (chemical messengers in the brain) in creating the state we call love. When lovers claim that they feel “high,” it’s probably because they are. For example, dopamine is released when people do something highly pleasurable, whether it’s falling in love or taking drugs. Norepinephrine, another stimulant, can produce sleeplessness, elation, and euphoria. And during the early stages of emotional attachment, oxytocin promotes trust and other positive feelings. Thinking about one’s lover also maintains blood glucose levels and increases positive feelings (Fisher et al., 2010; Schneiderman et al., 2012; Fredrickson, 2013; Stanton et al., 2014; Gottman and Gottman, 2017).

As infatuation wanes and attachment grows, another group of chemicals called endorphins takes over. Unlike stimulants, endorphins calm the mind, eliminate pain, and reduce anxiety. This helps explain why people in long-lasting relationships report feeling comfortable and secure (Walsh, 1991; Fisher, 2004; Brizendine, 2006).

The loss of a loved one may be linked to physical problems. According to brain images and blood tests, traumatic breakups can release stress hormones that travel to cells in one part of the brain. The resulting stress can bring on chest pain and even heart attacks (“a broken heart”) (Najib et al., 2004; Wittstein et al., 2005).” (Benokraitis & Buehler, 2018, p. 159)

Source: Benokraitis, N. V., & Buehler, C. (2018). Marriages and Families (9th ed.). Pearson Education (US). https://online.vitalsource.com/books/9780134736143Links to an external site.

ARTICLE REVIEW #2

The purpose of this week’s article review essay is to help you demonstrate your understanding of the biochemistry underlying love and attachments. While your Discussion reveals some key psychological models of love, here we begin to focus on the roles of hormones, neurotransmitters, and peptides that allow you to lust, attract, attach and love others.  What’s going on inside of you and why does it change?  Let’s begin by reading these two articles:

Articles (use these exact citations in your references list) 

Love, Actually: The science behind lust, attraction, and companionship. (2020, June 19). Science in the News. Retrieved September 24, 2022, from https://sitn.hms.harvard.edu/flash/2017/love-actually-science-behind-lust-attraction-companionship/Links to an external site.

Carter, C. S., & Porges, S. W. (2013, November 27). The biochemistry of love: an oxytocin hypothesis. EMBO Reports, 14(1), 12–16. https://doi.org/10.1038/embor.2012.191Links to an external site.    

Essay:  Demonstrate your understanding of the biochemistry of love by answering these questions below: 

  • Explain the top five most important points revealed in Love, Actually: The Science Behind Lust, Attraction, and Companionship (2020) article.
  • Explain the top five most important points revealed in the Carter & Porges (2013) article.
  • What are your biggest takeaways about the role of biochemical processes when you think about your past or current experiences with falling in love (and out of love) and attaching to a partner?