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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.

SourceEmory University·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 10, 2026

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.

SourceKinsey Institute·JournalInterpersona An International Journal on Personal Relationships·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 10, 2026

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.

SourceReichman University·JournalNature Reviews Psychology·TypeLiterature review·DateFeb 11, 2025

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.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Social and Personal Relationships·DateFeb 10, 2025

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.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalArchives of Sexual Behavior·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 25, 2024

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.

SourceAalto University·JournalCerebral Cortex·DateAug 26, 2024

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.

SourceAalto University·JournalPhilosophical Psychology·DateSep 19, 2023

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.

SourceBoston University·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·TypeObservational study·DateMay 11, 2023

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.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalThe Journal of Sex Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 30, 2023

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.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalBritish Journal of Social Psychology·DateOct 28, 2022

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.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalBody Image·DateNov 4, 2021

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...

SourceSingapore Management University·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateJun 1, 2020

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.

SourceAarhus University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 20, 2020

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.

SourcePenn State·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·DateNov 25, 2019

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.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Youth and Adolescence·DateApr 27, 2018

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.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalPsychological Research·DateJan 24, 2018