The Science of Love, Desire and Attachment

In this episode, I discuss the psychology and biology of desire, love and attachment. I explain how childhood attachment types are thought to inform adult attachment styles to romantic partners, and I describe some of the major theories of human mate selection, relationships and infidelity. Additionally, I explore the neurobiology and proposed subconscious processing underlying desire, love and attachment, including the roles of empathy and “positive delusion.” I outline how self-awareness can shift one’s relationship attachment style towards securely bonded partnerships. Finally, I describe specific tools and supplements that have been researched to increase libido and sex drive. Throughout the episode, I explain the science and key mechanisms underlying romantic love and outline tools for those seeking to find a strong, healthy relationship, or for those wanting to strengthen an existing relationship.

#HubermanLab #Neuroscience #Love

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Article Links
Romantic love: an fMRI study of a neural mechanism for mate choice: https://bit.ly/34EuPWq
Relationship-specific Encoding of Social Touch in Somatosensory and Insular Cortice: https://bit.ly/3rIambT
Investigating real-life emotions in romantic couples: a mobile EEG study: https://go.nature.com/3sG4ZJs
Brain Knows Who Is on the Same Wavelength: Resting-State Connectivity Can Predict Compatibility of a Female–Male Relationship: https://bit.ly/3rMP3pO
Manipulation of Self-Expansion Alters Responses to Attractive Alternative Partners: https://bit.ly/3LuTYDA
Randomized Clinical Trial on the Use of PHYSTA Freeze-Dried Water Extract of Eurycoma longifolia for the Improvement of Quality of Life and Sexual Well-Being in Men: https://bit.ly/3gKEtJy

For additional links and resources on Maca, Tongkat Ali and Tribulus, also see links in “Human Effect Matrix” at examine.com.

Book Links
Attached: The New Science of Adult Attachment and How It Can Help You Find and Keep Love: https://amzn.to/3HMLLZ2
Right Brain Psychotherapy: https://amzn.to/3HJjXVs
The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work: A Practical Guide from the Country’s Foremost Relationship Expert: https://amzn.to/3LzS1FN

Other Links
The Gottman Institute Love Lab: A Research-Based Approach to Relationships: https://bit.ly/3Bkrxn3
New York Times – The 36 Questions that Lead to Love (1/9/2015): https://nyti.ms/3HPAnvF

Timestamps
00:00:00 Desire, Love & Attachment
00:02:59 Odor, Perceived Attractiveness & Birth Control
00:08:04 Thesis, AG1 (Athletic Greens), InsideTracker
00:14:13 Romance: Balancing Love & Desire
00:19:00 Animal Studies, Vasopressin & Monogamy
00:22:06 Strange Situation Task, Childhood Attachment Styles
00:32:52 Adult Attachment Styles
00:38:50 Secure Attachment
00:41:23 Autonomic Arousal: The “See-Saw”
00:50:39 Tool: Self-Awareness, Healthy Interdependence
00:53:11 Neurobiology of Desire, Love & Attachment
00:58:02 Empathy & Mating & the Autonomic Nervous System
01:10:02 Positive Delusion, Touch
01:15:20 Relationship Stability
01:21:22 Selecting Mates, Recognition of Autonomic Tone
01:38:28 Neural Mechanisms of Romantic Attachment
01:47:43 Autonomic Coordination in Relationships
01:56:13 Infidelity & Cheating
02:08:56 “Chemistry”, Subconscious Processes
02:12:44 Tools: Libido & Sex Drive
02:20:20 Maca (Maca root)
02:25:58 Tongkat Ali (Longjack)
02:28:56 Tribulus terrestris
02:33:14 Zero-Cost Support, YouTube, Spotify/Apple Reviews, Sponsors, Patreon, Instagram, Twitter, Thorne

Please note that The Huberman Lab Podcast is distinct from Dr. Huberman’s teaching and research roles at Stanford University School of Medicine. The information provided in this show is not medical advice, nor should it be taken or applied as a replacement for medical advice. The Huberman Lab Podcast, its employees, guests and affiliates assume no liability for the application of the information discussed.

Title Card Photo Credit: Mike Blabac – https://www.blabacphoto.com

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