Love is a universal human emotion that has inspired countless works of art, literature, and music. But what does love do to our brains? How does it affect our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors? Scientists have been exploring these questions for decades, using various methods and tools, such as brain imaging, hormone measurements, and psychological tests. Here are some of the main findings from the neuroscience of love.
The Reward System
One of the most consistent findings in the neuroscience of love is that love activates the brain’s reward system, a network of brain regions that are involved in pleasure, motivation, and learning. The reward system includes the ventral tegmental area (VTA), the nucleus accumbens, the caudate nucleus, the medial insula, and the anterior cingulate cortex. These regions release dopamine, a neurotransmitter that makes us feel good and reinforces our behavior.
When we fall in love with someone, our reward system becomes highly responsive to cues associated with that person, such as their face, voice, or smell. Brain scans have shown that viewing pictures of one’s romantic partner activates the reward system more than viewing pictures of acquaintances or strangers. This suggests that love enhances our attention and attraction to our partner, and makes us seek their presence and approval.
The Love Hormone
Another key player in the neuroscience of love is oxytocin, a hormone that is produced by the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland. Oxytocin is often called the “love hormone” because it is involved in social bonding, trust, and intimacy. Oxytocin levels increase when we hug, kiss, or cuddle with our partner, as well as when we have sex or orgasm.
Oxytocin has multiple effects on the brain and body. It reduces stress and anxiety, lowers blood pressure and heart rate, increases pain tolerance and immune function, and promotes empathy and generosity. Oxytocin also enhances the activity of the reward system when we interact with our partner, strengthening the emotional bond between them.
The Three Stages of Love
According to some researchers, love can be divided into three stages: lust, attraction, and attachment. Each stage is characterized by different hormonal and neural changes that influence our behavior.
Lust is driven by sex hormones, such as testosterone and estrogen, that increase our sexual desire and prepare us for reproduction. Lust can be triggered by physical features, such as facial symmetry, body shape, or scent.
Attraction is fueled by dopamine and norepinephrine, which make us feel euphoric, energetic, and obsessed with our partner. Attraction can be influenced by psychological factors, such as similarity, proximity, or reciprocity.
Attachment is mediated by oxytocin and vasopressin, which make us feel calm, secure, and committed to our partner. Attachment can be affected by social factors, such as communication, support, or compatibility.
These stages are not mutually exclusive or sequential; they can overlap or fluctuate over time. However, they provide a useful framework for understanding how love evolves and adapts to different contexts and challenges.
The Mark Left Behind
Love is not only a transient state; it can also have lasting effects on our brain structure and function. Some studies have suggested that love can enhance neuroplasticity, the ability of the brain to change and adapt in response to experience. For example, one study found that people who were in a long-term romantic relationship had more gray matter volume in the reward system than people who were single or had recently broken up. Another study found that people who were married for more than 10 years had more white matter connectivity between the reward system and other brain regions than people who were single or divorced.
These findings imply that love can shape our brain architecture and connectivity over time, potentially improving our cognitive and emotional abilities. Moreover, love can also protect our brain from aging and decline. For instance, one study found that people who were happily married had less cognitive impairment and dementia risk than people who were unmarried or unhappily married.
Love is a complex phenomenon that involves multiple brain regions, hormones, and stages. Love can affect our mood, behavior, health, and cognition in various ways. Love can also leave a mark on our brain that lasts beyond the duration of the relationship. Science validates what poets and artists have long expressed: love is a powerful force that can transform us for better or worse.