What Is The Biological Basis Of Love?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The biology of love originates in

the primitive parts of the brain—the emotional core of the human nervous system

—that evolved long before the cerebral cortex. The brain of a human ‘in love’ is flooded with sensations, often transmitted by the vagus nerve, creating much of what we experience as emotion.

What causes love scientifically?

Though there are overlaps and subtleties to each, each type is characterized by its own set of hormones.

Testosterone and estrogen drive

lust; dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin create attraction; and oxytocin and vasopressin mediate attachment.

What is the basis of love?

Love is not a relationship to only part of the other, but rather, in [involves]

the total acceptance of the other [related to as an indivisible wholeness

], and in that sense of oneness [or non-dualistic intimate empathic communion] with the other, there is the release in one’s own consciousness of one’s own [separate] …

Is love a culture or biological?

Love is

most likely influenced by both biological drives and cultural influences

. While hormones and biology are important, the way we express and experience love is also influenced by our personal conceptions of love.

What hormones does love release?


Oxytocin, dopamine

, and serotonin are often referred to as our “happy hormones.” When you’re attracted to another person, your brain releases dopamine, your serotonin levels increase, and oxytocin is produced. This causes you to feel a surge of positive emotion.

What are the 3 main qualities of love?

Sternberg (1988) suggests that there are three main components of love:

passion, intimacy, and commitment

. Love relationships vary depending on the presence or absence of each of these components. Passion refers to the intense, physical attraction partners feel toward one another.

What are the 4 types of love?

  • Eros: erotic, passionate love.
  • Philia: love of friends and equals.
  • Storge: love of parents for children.
  • Agape: love of mankind.

What is actually true love?

Essentially, true love means that

you have an unwavering, unbreakable and unparalleled fondness and devotion for your partner

. It’s also defined by an emotional as well as physical connection with him or her that runs immeasurably deep, and life without your significant other would be practically unthinkable.

Does true love exist?

Contrary to what we like to say and believe,

the feeling of love doesn’t occur in our hearts

, at least scientifically. Instead, it happens in our brain when we release hormones (oxytocin, dopamine, adrenaline, testosterone, estrogen, and vasopressin) that create a mix of feelings: euphoria, pleasure or bonding.

Is love a hormone?


Oxytocin

is a mammalian hormone responsible for the sensation of love. It’s involved in social recognition and bonding, and is believed to play a part in the formation of trust between people.

Is love a biological need?


Love is deeply biological

. … Without loving relationships, humans fail to flourish, even if all of their other basic needs are met. As such, love is clearly not ‘just’ an emotion; it is a biological process that is both dynamic and bidirectional in several dimensions.

Why do biological people fall in love?

The initial happy feelings of being in love is stimulated by 3 chemicals in the brain: noradrenaline that

stimulates adrenaline production

causing that racing heart and sweaty palms; dopamine, the feel-good chemical; and phenylethylamine that is released when we’re near our crush, giving us butterflies in our tummies.

What are the negative effects of love?

  • Increased stress. In a long-term, committed relationship, stress tends to decrease over time. …
  • Physical symptoms. …
  • Sleep and appetite changes. …
  • Poor judgment. …
  • Love addiction.

What is the happy hormone?


Dopamine

: Often called the “happy hormone,” dopamine results in feelings of well-being. A primary driver of the brain’s reward system, it spikes when we experience something pleasurable.

What hormones are released during a kiss?


Oxytocin

, otherwise known as the ‘love hormone’, fosters feelings of affection and attachment. This is the same hormone that is released during childbirth and breastfeeding. Finally, the levels of serotonin present in the brain whilst kissing look a lot like those of someone with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.

What is the love hormone called?

In the brain,

oxytocin

acts as a chemical messenger and has an important role in many human behaviours including sexual arousal, recognition, trust, romantic attachment and mother–infant bonding. As a result, oxytocin has been called the ‘love hormone’ or ‘cuddle chemical’.

Leah Jackson
Author
Leah Jackson
Leah is a relationship coach with over 10 years of experience working with couples and individuals to improve their relationships. She holds a degree in psychology and has trained with leading relationship experts such as John Gottman and Esther Perel. Leah is passionate about helping people build strong, healthy relationships and providing practical advice to overcome common relationship challenges.