The Science of Love

By Annika Canton

Can love be broken down into a scientific process?

Love is often described as a magical feeling, but behind the romance lies a fascinating world of biology and chemistry. Scientists have actually discovered love is driven by hormones, neurotransmitters, and brain activity that create the emotions called affection and attachment.

Love unfolds in stages, the first being physical attraction, which releases testosterone, a key hormone for romantic relationships. The second is the infatuation stage, releasing dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. The third is the attachment stage, releasing oxytocin and vasopressin.

It's shown in a couple studies that the brain shows in an MRI scan that the reward system kicks in during relationships or crushes. This is a reason why heartbreak can hurt more than expected.

In fact, love is even addicting. Anything activating the reward system makes the brain miss and crave what started the reaction.

You may be asking yourself, why do we even fall in love anyway? Well humans first priority of course is to procreate, and due to evolutionary biology, humans seek partners with genetic advantages.

Looking with physcology, our childhood experiences and sometimes trauma can change what one looks for in a partner. Some victims of trauma subconsciously look for someone like their abuser or the absolute opposite. Culture also promotes love in media, romantic ideals, and societal norms. So is love just chemicals and reactions?

Maybe, but it’s still a mystery.