The Huberman Lab Podcast discusses neuroscience: how our brain and its connections with the organs of our body control our perceptions, our behaviors, and our health. We also discuss existing and emerging tools for measuring and changing how our nervous system works. Dr. Andrew Huberman is a tenured Professor of Neurobiology and Ophthalmology at Stanford School of Medicine. His laboratory studies neural regeneration, neuroplasticity, and brain states such as stress, focus, fear, and optimal performance. For more than 20 years, Dr. Huberman has consistently published original research findings and review articles in top-level peer-reviewed journals, including Nature, Science, Cell, Neuron, and Current Biology. He is a regular member of several National Institutes of Health review panels and a Fellow of the McKnight Foundation and the Pew Charitable Trusts. Dr. Huberman regularly consults for technology development companies, professional athletic organizations, and various units of U.S. and Canadian Special Operations.
The Science of Love, Desire and Attachment | Episode 59
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.
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Article Links
- Romantic love: an fMRI study of a neural mechanism for mate choice
- Relationship-specific Encoding of Social Touch in Somatosensory and Insular Cortice
- Investigating real-life emotions in romantic couples: a mobile EEG study
- Brain Knows Who Is on the Same Wavelength: Resting-State Connectivity Can Predict Compatibility of a Female–Male Relationship
- Manipulation of Self-Expansion Alters Responses to Attractive Alternative Partners
- 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
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
- Right Brain Psychotherapy
- The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work: A Practical Guide from the Country’s Foremost Relationship Expert
Other Links
- The Gottman Institute Love Lab: A Research-Based Approach to Relationships
- New York Times - The 36 Questions that Lead to Love (1/9/2015)
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
Title Card Photo Credit: Mike Blabac