The Chemistry of Love

Question 1

Love

Answer 1

complex human emotion; powerful disease-prevention and healing influences within the body; Helen Fisher– falling in love follows a fairly predictable pattern

Question 2

Pattern of Falling in Love

Answer 2

Imprinting–> attraction –> attachment–> cuddling and physical intimacy

Question 3

Imprinting

Answer 3

Results from the interaction of: a) genetics, b) hormones, c) psychological experiences; Lovemap –> built in, subliminal guide to characteristics of potential partners; Chemical stimuli may activate a romantic reaction toward others; Pheromones

Question 4

Pheromones

Answer 4

may play an role in imprinting; trigger a subconscious biological sexual response in men and women; same area in the brain that controls human emotion and mood is what detects these

Question 5

Attraction*

Answer 5

Phase of loving that corresponds to infatuation or falling in love; *the brain produces a) phenylethylamine (PEA)–mood elevator, b) dopamine–sitmulates desire and reward by triggering, c) serotonin–may explain why you think of your lover;

Question 6

phenylethylamine (PEA)

Answer 6

PEA acts as a natural ___; it produces a “high” response; this stage lasts for 2-4 yrs then starts to wane; body eventually builds up a certain tolerance to PEA so that its profound effects begin to wear off; PEA levels drop significantly over a 3-4 year period; this drop leads to “4 year itch” that shows up in the peaking 4th year divorce rates present in numerous cultures; the brain shuts down production of this chemical and the individual experiences depression; some people go on chocolate binges after a romance; high level of PEA in chocolate wich helps to make up for loss; some become “attraction junkies”– they crave falling in love, when PEA drops they move on

Question 7

Attachment

Answer 7

relationships that endure beyond the decline of PEA are influenced by another set of chemicals called endorphins– being around a loved one stimulates the endorphins in the brain, these are natural painkillers that produce a sense of ___

Question 8

Cuddling and Physical Intimacy*

Answer 8

the brain secretes the chemical oxytocin; the brain secretes the chemical vasopressin;

Question 9

Oxytocin*

Answer 9

*a) love hormone, hug hormone, cuddle chemical b) released during hugging, touching, and orgasm c) because a response is enhanced by estrogen, women tend to have stronger rxn’s to oxytocin d) deepens the feelings of attachment and makes the couple feel much closer after sex

Question 10

Vasopressin

Answer 10

a) an important hormone in the long-term commitment stage and is released after sexual intercourse b) may be referred to as the hormone c) creates a desire in the male to stay with the mate, inspire protection, and protect offspring