Do you know which areas of the brain are activated by love? We use the word “love” to describe different feelings, from romantic passion to parental love to love of nature. Thanks to modern technologies like functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), we are beginning to understand why a single term can encompass such diverse and varied experiences.
Brain activity and parental love
Let’s take the example of a parent who sees their newborn for the first time. This moment is often described as a deep source of love, marked by the sweetness, warmth and joy we feel for this child. In a study by researchers at Aalto University, 55 partnered parents were asked to think about six types of love, while being observed using fMRI to track brain activity.
“We now provide a more complete picture of the brain activity associated with different types of love than previous research,” explains Pärttyli Rinne, the philosopher and researcher who coordinated the study.
“The activation pattern for love is generated in social situations in the basal ganglia, the midline of the forehead, the precuneus, and the temporoparietal junction on the sides of the back of the head. » The study reveals that parental love generates the most intense brain activity, closely followed by romantic love.
Study results
“When it comes to parental love, we see marked activation of the brain’s reward system, particularly in the striatum, when participants imagine their affection for their children. This activation is more pronounced than for any other type of love,” explains Rinne.
The study, published in the journal Cerebral Cortexalso explored love for romantic partners, friends, strangers, pets, and nature.
The results show that the proximity of the object of love influences brain activity, but also its nature, whether it is a human being, another animal or nature.
The different areas of the brain activated depending on the type of love
Not surprisingly, compassionate love for strangers causes less intense brain activation and is less rewarding compared to close relationships. In contrast, love for nature activates the reward system as well as visual areas of the brain, but not regions associated with social interactions.
Researchers found that the brain areas activated by love between people are very similar, with variations mainly related to the intensity of activation. All types of interpersonal love stimulate areas of the brain associated with social cognition, while love for pets or nature does not, with one exception.
Pet owners identifiable by brain activity
Researchers found that participants’ brain responses to scenarios depicting affection for a pet could reveal whether they owned one. For example, a statement like “You are at home, lying on the couch, and your cat comes up to you. He snuggles up against you and purrs peacefully. You love your pet” showed distinct brain responses.
“Analysis of brain activity related to love for pets reveals that areas associated with sociality show statistically stronger activation in pet owners than in non-owners,” explains Rinne. In other words, pet owners show greater activation in these brain areas than those who don’t.
Methodology and future implications
In the study, researchers monitored which areas of the brain were activated by love by comparing them to neutral scenarios where nothing notable was happening, like looking out of a bus window or absent-mindedly brushing your teeth. Participants listened to love stories performed by a professional actor. Then they were asked to visualize the emotions described for ten seconds.
The researchers hope that their understanding of the areas of the brain activated by love can not only enrich philosophical debates about the nature of love, consciousness and human relationships, but also help improve mental health interventions, including in attachment disorders, depression or relationship problems.
What part of the brain manages love?
Love is a complex experience that involves several areas of the brain. But the key structures associated with this feeling are the nucleus accumbens, the amygdala and the prefrontal cortex. The nucleus accumbens is linked to reward and pleasure circuits. And it is strongly activated during romantic love experiences.
The amygdala plays an important role in managing emotions and affective reactions. While the prefrontal cortex plays a role in decision-making and the regulation of social behaviors. Together, these regions coordinate the emotional, cognitive, and behavioral aspects of love.
What parts of the brain are affected by love?
Love affects several regions of the brain. This is particularly the case for the limbic system, which includes the amygdala and the hippocampus, and the reward system, which includes the nucleus accumbens and the striatum. When a person is in love, we observe significant activation in these areas. In particular the nucleus accumbens, which we associate with sensations of pleasure and reward.
Activity in the prefrontal cortex also changes, influencing decisions and behaviors related to romantic relationships. These neurological changes explain why love can induce feelings of intense happiness, but also varied emotional and behavioral reactions.
How to activate the 5 love hormones?
The five hormones often associated with love are dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, norepinephrine and endorphins. To activate dopamine, it helps to participate in activities that provide pleasure and novelty, such as dating or adventures together. Oxytocin levels increase through physical gestures such as hugging and caressing.
Serotonin, linked to mood regulation, is influenced by a balanced diet and adequate sleep. Norepinephrine is activated during moments of stress or shared excitement. While endorphins, which provide feelings of well-being, can increase through physical exercise and positive interactions.
How to explain love using neuroscience?
Neuroscience explains love as a neurobiological phenomenon involving complex interactions between various neurotransmitters and brain regions. Romantic love is associated with significant activation of the reward system, particularly the nucleus accumbens, which releases dopamine, inducing feelings of pleasure and desire.
Oxytocin, often released during physical contact such as hugs, strengthens social and emotional bonds. Serotonin plays a role in regulating mood and changing based on social and emotional interactions. These biological elements intertwine with cognitive and emotional processes to create the complex and profound experience we call love.
