Understanding the psychology behind falling in love can also help therapists treat people dealing with heartbreak. “Some researchers say oxytocin plays a part in the evolution of romantic love as it is released in the brain during orgasm, which contributes to the couple’s ability to bond with one another.” They Call Me Dr. “Romantic love evolves when one feels a sense of interdependence, attachment, and that their psychological needs are being met,” Kane says. Commitment encompasses, in the short term, the decision to remain with another, and in the long term, the shared achievements and plans made with that other person. Passion encompasses drives connected to both limerance and sexual attraction. ![]() Intimacy encompasses feelings of attachment, closeness, connectedness, and bondedness. “A person newly in love sees the world through the lens of love and most everything is tolerable and everything their partner does is delightful,” says Kane, who is also a marriage and family therapist.Īccording to the triangular theory of love developed by psychologist Robert Sternberg, the three components of love are intimacy, passion, and commitment. Once a romantic couple begins to spend time together, they are in a sort of love euphoria. Kane agrees, saying that the human brain supports falling in love, which is why we have such a strong physiological response when we are attracted to another. Amen says “that romantic love and infatuation are not so much of an emotion as they are motivational drives that are part of the brain's reward system.” In his book, The Brain in Love: 12 Lessons to Enhance Your Love Life, Dr. “Falling in love is associated with increased energy, narrowing of mental focus, sometimes sweaty palms, light-headedness, racing heart, and a lot of positive feelings,” says Needle, an associate professor and coordinator of Clinical Experiences at South University, West Palm Beach. It’s the powerful moment when we meet another person and feel energized and are immediately aware of our heart pounding. They function similar to amphetamine, making us alert, excited, and wanting to bond. ![]() Rachel Needle, specific chemical substances such as oxytocin, phenethylamine, and dopamine, have been found to play a role in human experiences and behaviors that are associated with love. “It’s the powerful moment when we meet another person and feel energized and are immediately aware of our heart pounding.”Īccording to licensed psychologist Dr. ![]() “The first step in the process of falling in love is the initial attraction,” says Elizabeth Kane, a South University adjunct faculty member who teaches clinical psychology and behavioral science. It seems rather inaccurate to say “falling in love” because experiencing love is more of a high that puts people on cloud nine. This is Your Brain on Loveĭuring romantic love there are many changes that both men and women experience. After all, psychologists have a lot to say about how and why people fall in love. Romantic love, in particular, seems to be a beautiful mystery we find hard to explain.Īlthough poets and songwriters can put many of our romantic thoughts and feelings into words, love is so inexplicable we need the help of science to explain it. Its meaning is felt more than it is clearly expressed. We spend our lives craving it, searching for it, and talking about it.
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