In this expert session, Dr. Anna Machin delves into the intricacies of love from a neuroscientific perspective, discussing the role of various neurochemicals in shaping our experiences and behaviors within relationships. Beginning with oxytocin, known as the "love hormone," she explains how this neuropeptide plays an integral part in lowering inhibitions, boosting self-esteem, and increasing confidence during new relationships. In conjunction with dopamine, it enhances learning and memory processes, providing a sense of reward and pleasure that motivates individuals to pursue new connections.
Next, the speaker discusses dopamine's role as the "hormone of motivation," working synergistically with oxytocin to encourage approaching potential partners and initiating interactions. Moving on, she explores serotonin's function in the more obsessive aspects of love, suggesting that its decrease during the start of a relationship could explain the intense focus and infatuation individuals experience. Lastly, Dr. Machin introduces beta-endorphin, which functions as an opiate to create a strong addiction and acts as the primary motivator for maintaining long-term relationships once the initial stages have passed.
The session further delves into the importance of understanding attachment relationships, exploring their role in shaping psychological and emotional development, particularly during childhood. Dr. Machin explains how these relationships are characterized by proximity cravings, reliance upon each other, and intense separation distress when separated. She also touches on various attachment profiles based on high or low anxiety and proximity levels.
Throughout the session, Dr. Machin highlights the complex role of genetics in various aspects of love and relationships, including pair bond formation, oxytocin receptivity, empathy, attachment styles, and serotonin levels. She also discusses the concept of differential susceptibility, emphasizing how genes interact with the environment to shape individual responses and experiences.
As the session progresses, Dr. Machin acknowledges the challenges presented by online interactions and digital images in accurately assessing potential partners or determining truthfulness. She suggests that strong initial attraction and neurochemicals are harder to experience at a distance. Additionally, she offers suggestions for rekindling relationships through activities like massage, touch, laughter, dancing, and doing something new.
Furthermore, the speaker briefly touches upon ethical concerns surrounding potential applications of this research, such as developing love drugs based on neurochemical findings or reducing the pain of breakups by erasing memories of past relationships. She also explores the complexities of polyamory and its implications for brain function and cognitive activation in managing multiple relationships.
Dr. Machin emphasizes respecting individuals' definitions of love and acknowledges the subjective nature of this fundamental human emotion. Throughout the session, she encourages audience participation through the Mentimeter app to foster deeper engagement and learning. As the hour comes to a close, she expresses her gratitude for their questions and insights, wishing them a great day or evening before looking forward to connecting with them again soon.
