While we often think of love as a feeling from the heart, scientists have traced its roots to specific areas in the brain. Researchers utilized functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to monitor brain activity as participants reflected on various kinds of love. Their findings were published in a recent article in the journal Cerebral Cortex.
The study revealed that different types of love activate distinct areas of the brain, albeit with some similarities across the board. “Our research paints a clearer picture of brain activity linked to love than previous studies,” said Pärttyli Rinne, co-author and researcher from Aalto University in Finland. “Key areas of activation include the basal ganglia, the midline of the forehead, the precuneus, and the temporoparietal junction.”
Love manifests in various forms: parental love, romantic affection, friendship, and even an appreciation for nature or pets. The researchers examined brain responses when participants were prompted to envision a loving moment, such as meeting their newborn for the first time.
The results showed that parental love sparked the most substantial brain activity, closely followed by romantic love. While intensity varied by type, most responses occurred in similar brain regions, with notable exceptions. For instance, imagining parental love stimulated the brain’s reward system more profoundly than other forms.
Additionally, love for nature engaged the brain’s reward areas without activating those tied to social interactions. Interestingly, the study found that individuals’ brain responses when discussing pets could indicate whether they owned one, as pet owners displayed stronger activation in social areas.
Although quantifying love may seem clinical, the researchers hope their insights could aid in treating attachment disorders, depression, and relationship challenges.
References
Rinne, P., Lahnakoski, J., Saarimäki, H., Tavast, M., Sams, M., & Henriksson, L. (2024). Six types of loves differentially recruit reward and social cognition brain areas. Cerebral Cortex, 34(8). https://doi.org/10.1093/cercor/bhae331