So why do people fall in love? Is there some biological basis for the connection we make with that special someone, or is it some esoteric phenomenon that defies explanation?
Interestingly, very few animal species exist that engage in monogamous relationships. Some suspect that the human species has evolved from former primitive mating and relationships as just a means to reproduce offspring and has developed further physiological mechanisms that favor long-term bonding.
Love and all other emotions are strongly rooted in brain chemistry and physiology. Yes, love comes from the brain, not the heart. Sorry, Cupid.
Greater understanding of the neurochemical pathways responsible for regulating social interaction has been a research endeavor providing a great deal of insight into how some individuals are more affectionate than others and the factors affecting emotions in romantic relationships.
Generally, lust for a person is driven by the sex hormones, testosterone and estrogen, whereas attraction can be attributed to the monoamine neurotransmitters (dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine).
Yet two alternate hormones are thought to affirm the love bond created between two people.
First discovered in the prairie vole, vasopressin and oxytocin hormone levels in the brain increase during intimacy. The rodents are one of the few species that retain mates for a lifetime. In fact, when the hormones were removed, the bond between two prairie vole mates deteriorated.
There are mixed opinions in the role that these hormones actually play in creating love. It seems that a bonding hormone released during sex would contradict one-night stands, a sexual act generally void of intense feelings of love or a sense of bonding.
On the other hand, some believe it possible that love and attraction can spontaneously develop just by a simple whiff of a person you pass.Commonly known as pheromones, the theory behind these chemicals emitted by the body and sensed as smells suggests further roles for chemicals to develop bonds.
Primal instincts may trigger some sort of response, sparking sexual emotions in a person based off a single scent.
The efficacy of pheromones remains to be seen, considering an individual’s response may be dependent on a number of factors: combinations of chemical and non-chemical cues, the person’s physiological state and past experiences.
Some theories even suggest that mate selection is determined by factors to increas the genetic diversity of offspring. Individuals that are more genetically different may appear more attractive to one another to enchance genetic diversity, reducing the risks of genetic abnormalities.
To actually pinpoint the physiological factors of love may not be an obtainable discovery, yet many theories serve to explain changes in the brain during intimacy and heightened social interaction.
While Adele may have struck out and sworn off love, it is inevitably a part of the human condition. Happy Valentine’s Day – may you find someone with whom your chemicals react.
Nick Pisciotta is a molecular biology major who is passionate about improving his health through diet and exercise.
