Love
Articles tagged with Love
How the brain charts emotion in a map-like way
A new study reveals that the hippocampus represents emotion concepts in a structured hierarchy of pleasantness and bodily reaction, while the ventromedial prefrontal cortex tracks relationships between these nodes. This map-like representation may help in the treatment of mental illnesses, such as depression and anxiety.
How many times will we fall passionately in love? New Kinsey Institute study offers first-ever answer
A new study from the Kinsey Institute found that passionate love is relatively infrequent, occurring about twice in a lifetime. The research surveyed 10,036 single adults aged 18 to 99 and found that 14% had never experienced passionate love, while 28% experienced it once.
The intimate animal explains the evolution of relationships
Animal studies reveal complex dynamics of sex, fidelity, and monogamy in various species like wolves, dolphins, and swans. The intimate animal explores the evolutionary roots of human attachment and love.
The Intimate Animal, a new book from Kinsey Institute Executive Director Dr. Justin Garcia
Dr. Garcia's book delves into the surprising science behind human connection, exploring how technology, social norms and loneliness impact our ability to form meaningful relationships. With warmth and clarity, he reveals the science behind why we crave connection and how intimacy anchors us in the world.
Scientists can now explore mechanisms behind attachment issues
Researchers found that impaired maternal care and increased stress hormone signaling led to health, behavioral, and attachment issues in mouse pups. Long-term stunted growth trajectories and anxiety-like behavior were observed after just 1 week of limited bedding.
Is the 'love hormone,' oxytocin, also the 'friendship hormone'?
A new study by the Beery lab at UC Berkeley suggests that oxytocin is essential for the formation of friendships and selective peer relationships. Oxytocin signaling delays the formation of relationships and creates deficits in long-term peer relationships, leading to a lack of social rewards and selectivity.
Transition point in romantic relationships signals the beginning of their end
Researchers found that relationship satisfaction declines over time, leading to a terminal phase with a rapid deterioration in satisfaction. The transition point marks the beginning of this phase, which lasts 7-28 months and is characterized by accelerated decline.
Sexual desire — the force that connects yet also divides
A recent study published in Nature Reviews examines the complex role of sexual desire in relationships, highlighting its potential to fade over time. The research reveals how desire can be shaped by biological, social, and psychological factors, influencing partnership dynamics and relationship longevity.
For Valentine’s Day: Measure your relationship with a scientific self-test
Researchers at Stockholm University introduce the 'Valentine's Scale', a 7-question scientifically validated scale to measure relationship satisfaction. The scale provides concrete tips for strengthening relationships and has been shown to predict improvements in quality of life and mental health problems.
Ready (or not) for love? Your friends likely agree
A new study from Michigan State University found that friends significantly agreed on who was ready for committed relationships and those who weren't. Friends of individuals with an insecure attachment style were also seen to be more insecure in their relationships, suggesting a link between social perceptions and romantic prospects.
The truth may hurt. But for couples, it’s worth it.
A study with over 200 couples found that being honest and perceived as honest by partners has a positive effect on relationships, contributing to overall well-being. The simple act of expressing truthfulness matters more than flawless accuracy in perception.
Unlocking Romance: UCLA offers dating program for autistic adults
The PEERS Clinic at UCLA offers a 20-week dating program called PEERS for Dating, aiming to demystify social rules and empower participants to form lasting connections. Participants will learn practical strategies for initiating and maintaining romantic relationships with support from trained coaches.
We might feel love in our fingertips –– but did the Ancient Mesopotamians?
Researchers studied ancient texts to understand how people in ancient Mesopotamia experienced emotions in their bodies. They found similarities with modern bodily maps, but also contrasting results, such as feelings of happiness being associated with the liver and feet, unlike modern humans who experience it in the hands.
Why the powerful are more likely to cheat
A new study finds that those who feel powerful in their relationships are less dependent on others, think more highly of themselves, and are more confident that they are desirable. This can lead to a higher interest in alternative partners and a greater willingness to engage in infidelity.
Singer Amy Grant’s personal testimonial shines light on No. 1 threat to women’s health
Singer Amy Grant's personal testimonial highlights the urgent need for support to save women's lives by funding research into better diagnosing, treating, and preventing cardiovascular disease. The American Heart Association aims to address awareness gaps and bridge clinical care gaps in women's heart health.
Guardian, kids, or companions? What do dogs mean to us today
Research found that dog owners attribute various roles to their pets, including friend, family member, child, colleague, or security guard. The study identified three distinct owner profiles with different dog roles and characteristics, which may impact daily life and canine welfare.
Finding love: Study reveals where love lives in the brain
Researchers used fMRI to measure brain activity while subjects imagined six types of love. Love for children and romantic partners activated deep brain reward systems, while nature and pets activated visual areas. The study found consistent brain activation for all interpersonal loves, with differences in intensity.
Lifesaving and life-changing: The kindness shown to forced migrants during their journeys
A new study reveals extraordinary acts of kindness from strangers who risked their lives to protect and help forced migrant survivors. Everyday kindness, such as offers of shelter and food, also played a crucial role in their journeys.
Courtship through flute song in Indigenous Southern Plains culture #ASA186
Researchers found that flutists must compose unique songs to win love and respect among the tribe. The tradition's revival has led to a new generation of players, including the sons of leaders who helped maintain the tradition.
Reported marital harmony—or conflict—accounts for nearly ten percent of the variation in mental health self-assessments in a broad study of Australian adults
A recent study of over 7,000 Australian adults found that reported marital harmony and conflict account for nearly 10% of mental health self-assessments. Financial difficulties and demographic factors also contribute to variation in mental health scores.
Jealousy – we understand our own sex best
A study by Norwegian University of Science and Technology reveals that men are more jealous of sexual infidelity, while women are more jealous of emotional infidelity. People surprisingly accurately perceive jealousy responses within their own sex but struggle to understand the opposite sex.
New study unveils emotional hubs that exist across languages
A recent study by Tokyo University of Science has identified central emotions across languages through word association-based colexification networks. The researchers found that concepts like GOOD, WANT, BAD, and LOVE are associated with many other words representing emotions.
Neuroscientists identify 'chemical imprint of desire'
A new study published in Current Biology shows that dopamine plays a critical role in keeping love alive and forming close relationships. Prairie voles with monogamous pair bonds exhibit unique chemical imprints on their brain's reward center, motivating them to maintain these bonds over time.
Love scrambles the brain and scientists can now tell us why
A recent study published in Behavioural Sciences found that romantic love changes the way our brains react to our partners, making them the center of our lives. The research, led by ANU and UniSA researchers, sheds light on the mechanisms behind romantic love's evolution.
Can an app improve your romantic relationship?
A new relationship app, developed by a University of Rochester psychologist, has been shown to improve romantic relationships. The app sends daily prompts that encourage meaningful conversations, enhancing awareness and promoting moments of connection among couples.
Undergraduate's STEM writing program featured in scientific journal Cell
Elea Abisamra's STEM writing program at Virginia Tech has been recognized by the journal Cell for its innovative approach to teaching science through storytelling. The program has already helped 95 kids publish books with over 150 tutors as editors, and plans to expand globally.
French love letters confiscated by Britain finally read after 265 years
A team of researchers from Cambridge University has decoded over 100 French love letters written in the 18th century, revealing universal human experiences and emotional struggles. The letters were sent to sailors on a ship captured by Britain during the Seven Years' War, but never reached their recipients.
Extreme emotions and emotionlessness of UK immigration system make migrants deportable and disposable
Research reveals UK immigration system's reliance on anger, disgust, suspicion, and fear to cast migrants as 'threatening, polluting and irrelevant', leading to deportability and disposability. The system employs emotional governance to disenfranchise migrants, fostering racial categorization and domination.
Where do we feel love?
Researchers at Aalto University mapped the physical sensations of different types of love, finding a continuum from weaker to stronger loves. The strongest forms of love were felt most widely throughout the body, while others were more localized.
The science of attraction: why do we fall for certain people?
A Boston University-led study discovered that self-essentialist reasoning plays a crucial role in attraction. When individuals assume others share an underlying essence, they're more likely to form connections with them. However, this flawed thinking can restrict who we find attractive, as it's based on superficial similarities.
How to reduce the temptation to cheat
A team of psychologists found that adopting a partner's perspective reduces the likelihood of infidelity and other partnership-destroying behaviors. By putting themselves in their partner's shoes, individuals can increase commitment and desire for their current partner, while decreasing interest in alternative mates.
Research team explores virtual romantic relationships
A research team from Hiroshima University studied virtual romantic relationships using anthropomorphism, finding that connection and relationship authenticity predict real-world relationships. The study used laboratory studies with romantic video games to examine how anthropomorphism predicts relationship outcomes.
Stronger religious beliefs linked to higher levels of sexual satisfaction, study shows
A new study finds that individuals with stronger religious beliefs tend to have lower sex drives but are more content with their sex lives overall. Researchers also discovered a significant association between educational attainment and reduced sexual satisfaction.
New evidence suggests love languages are important for heterosexual relationship satisfaction
A new PLOS study found that heterosexual couples who meet each other's love language preferences experience higher levels of relationship and sexual satisfaction. The study, which surveyed 100 couples over 6 months to 24 years, suggests that focusing on partners' love-language needs could be effective in relationship counseling.
Researchers sharpen Cupid’s aim on dating apps with new algorithm
Researchers developed an algorithm to improve matching efficiency, considering user preferences and behavior. The new algorithm shows improved results in field experiments, with at least 27% more matches than the current one.
What transforms a first date into a long-term relationship?
A study by researchers at Hebrew University found that couples who synchronize their physiology and behavior during a first date are more romantically attracted to each other. The degree of synchrony also affects men and women differently, with women being more sexually attracted to 'super-synchronizers'.
Young adults turn crushes into love, UC Davis study suggests
A new UC Davis study found that young adults' early relationships are often characterized by emotional connection and attachment, rather than physical attractiveness. The researchers surveyed 208 college students and found that markers of attachment were strong predictors of sustained interest in a partner.
Women who practice self-compassion are at lower risk of cardiovascular disease
Middle-aged women with higher self-compassion had thinner carotid artery walls and less plaque buildup, linked to lower cardiovascular disease risk. The findings persisted even when controlling for behaviors and psychological factors.
Appearance fixation linked to dating anxiety
A new study by Anglia Ruskin University found that individuals focused on their appearance are more prone to social physique anxiety, which leads to fear of negative evaluations and social distress in dating contexts. The research involved 501 young adults and discovered associations between body image attitudes and dating anxiety.
Light as a fairy tale: What makes a feel-good film feel good?
A new study from the Max Planck Institute for Empirical Aesthetics identifies key characteristics of feel-good films, including romantic comedies and classic happy endings. The research provides insights into what makes these films emotionally uplifting and enjoyable for audiences.
Key metaphors in the most popular love songs speak of proximity and possession
A Universitat Oberta de Catalunya study analyzes 71 Billboard year-end charts from 1946 to 2016 to explore changes in conceptions of love. Metaphors represent over 70% of figurative language used to express feelings of romantic love in popular music.
Study shows meaningful lockdown activity is more satisfying than busyness
A study published in PLOS ONE found that people who pursue meaningful activities during lockdown feel more satisfied, while those who engage in mindless busywork experience increased frustration and less fulfillment. Researchers suggest that substituting enjoyable activities for the pre-lockdown routine can be a more rewarding experience.
The power of validation in helping people stay positive
A new study from Ohio State University found that validating someone's negative emotions can help foster a positive outlook. Participants who were validated showed protected and sustained positive emotions, while those who were invalidated experienced declines in positivity.
Colors evoke similar feelings around the world
A comprehensive survey found similar color-emotion associations worldwide, with red linked to both love and anger globally. National peculiarities were observed, such as white being associated with sadness in China and purple with mourning in Greece. Climate may also influence these associations.
Arguments between couples: Our neurons like mediation
A study by scientists from Université de Genève found that active mediation in couples enhances conflict resolution and satisfaction. Couples who received mediation showed increased activation in the nucleus accumbens, a key region associated with feelings of pleasure and motivation.
Aiming for an enduring relationship
Recent research suggests that a higher degree of readiness is associated with higher commitment to a relationship. Readiness also predicts relationship maintenance beyond commitment, but surprisingly, it's also linked to less loyalty. The study found that individuals who feel more ready may prioritize relationships over other issues an...
Birth control pills affect the love hormone
A recent study by Aarhus University found that birth control pills increase oxytocin levels, potentially affecting romantic love and closeness. The research suggests that women on birth control may experience altered mood and diminished sense of attachment to partners.
Love matters: How parents' love shapes children's lives
A new study found that parents who report loving each other tend to have children who stay in school longer and marry later. The researchers followed the children of 151 married couples in Nepal for 12 years, using data from the Chitwan Valley Family Study.
Doctors urged to recognize post-antidepressant sexual dysfunction
Post-SSRI Sexual Dysfunction (PSSD) affects sexually active individuals, causing genital numbing, loss of libido and emotional numbing. Pharmaceutical companies are now warning that these effects can last even after treatment stops.
Words to express emotion vary greatly in their meanings across languages
Researchers mapped emotion words across 2,474 languages to find significant variation in emotional expression across cultures. The human experience of emotions is shaped by both biological evolution and the words used to describe those feelings.
All the feels
Researchers found that people experiencing higher felt love had significantly higher levels of psychological well-being and extraversion personality scores. They also developed a method to analyze noisy data using Bayesian latent stochastic differential equations model.
Is there a science to romantic love? Yes, and UC Davis is a leader
Phillip Shaver, a renowned psychologist at UC Davis, has received the Society for Personality and Social Psychology's Legacy Award for his pioneering work on attachment theory. His research has significantly expanded our understanding of human bonding and relationships.
Parents may help prep kids for healthier, less violent relationships
Researchers found that positive family climate and effective parenting strategies during adolescence can lead to better problem-solving skills and less-violent romantic relationships as young adults. Positive engagement with parents is also associated with feelings of love and connection in young adult relationships.
Feelings determine from which side we embrace each other
Researchers studied over 2,500 hugs to understand how emotional context affects hug behavior. They found that emotional states influence the lateralization of hugs, with left-sided hugs more common in positive situations and right-sided hugs in negative contexts. Handedness and footedness also play a role in predicting hug direction.
How much people earn is associated with how they experience happiness
Research suggests that wealth is associated with increased self-focused emotions and decreased interdependence. Lower-income individuals report more positive emotions focused on others and a stronger sense of connection.
A fear of getting dumped kills romance and commitment
Researchers found that perceived risk of a romantic relationship ending influences the intensity of love and commitment, leading to reduced feelings when facing high or low risks. Commitment is strongest when there's only a moderate chance of break-up.
Emotions expressed by the dying are unexpectedly positive
A recent study found that terminally ill patients and inmates facing execution expressed more positive emotions in their writings near death, with a focus on finding meaning and connection. The researchers suggest that this positivity may be a result of people focusing on the aspects of life that bring them joy and love.
Men sing about dating and sex more often than women
Research analyzing popular song lyrics across five decades reveals men singing about romantic love and sex more frequently, while female artists focus on love. The study highlights gender-based differences in sexuality and stereotyping, with women's bodies being objectified more often than men's.
Couples may miss cues that partner is hiding emotions, study suggests
A study from Washington University in St. Louis found that even happy couples can be clueless about spotting emotional suppression and reappraisal tactics in their partners. Women tend to overestimate their partner's ability to see the bright side of an issue, while men are more likely to use suppression with their partners.