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Scientists have identified three key chemicals in the phenomenon of ‘falling in love’: norepinephrine, dopamine, and phenylethylamine
Scientists have divided the experience of love into three stages: lust, attraction and attachment. (News18 Hindi)
Each year, Valentine’s Day brings with it love, romance, excitement, and even longing. In some, it sparks internal debates about the idea and expectations from romantic love. Those in relationships try to evaluate how their journey is progressing, while those who are single might indulge in some self-care or open themselves up to relationships, some wait for the magic to strike them.
Although some consider love and romance to be abstract matters of the heart, researchers have actually developed a scientific framework for understanding ‘love’. Let’s delve into how scientists approach the phenomenon of ‘love at first sight’.
The Role Of Three Chemicals
Scientists have analysed falling in love from psychological and physiological perspectives, considering the changes that occur over time. Regarding the onset of love, scientists believe that three chemicals play a crucial role: norepinephrine, dopamine, and phenylethylamine activate feelings of love in the brain.
How Do These Chemicals Affect Us?
Norepinephrine plays a role in instigating the initial emotions of love. This leads to the production of adrenaline, increasing the heartbeat and causing symptoms like sweaty palms. Subsequently, dopamine is produced, generating feelings of euphoria. The third stage arrives with the release of phenylethylamine, causing a sense of infatuation.
The Three Stages Of Love
Scientists have divided the experience of love into three stages. The first is lust, governed by testosterone in men and estrogen in women. The second is attraction, which produces feelings akin to an addict’s craving for a substance. Attachment occurs in the final stage, where individuals become deeply connected and make long-term plans.
Renowned anthropologist Dr Helen Fisher explains these three stages of love. According to Dr Fisher, the surge in testosterone or estrogen during the lust phase mirrors similar patterns in other mammals.
Science Behind Love Symptoms
During the attraction phase, individuals experience intense happiness due to the release of several brain chemicals. These include dopamine (happiness), adrenaline (fight-or-flight response), and norepinephrine (alertness), which together create an addictive feeling of love. Adrenaline, in particular, causes blushing, sweaty palms, and a rapid heartbeat when experiencing love at first sight.
Beyond Hormones
While hormones play a significant role, other factors influence who we fall for. We emit a unique scent composed of pheromones, chemicals found in our sweat and bodily fluids. Studies suggest that these pheromones contribute to initial attraction at a subconscious level. Additionally, shared physical characteristics, values, and beliefs can also spark attraction.
