Unlike other emotional-motivational responses that have been clearly delineated through scientific research (like fear), neurobiologists have only begun examining love in the last 20 years. The studies that have been conducted show three very different and yet united stages of romantic love; lust- a craving, attraction –a high, and attachment – calm commitment. All demonstrate different brain behaviour correlations and all studies, especially those for attraction suffer selection bias, and limitations based on neuroimaging technology.
fMRI’s are limited by speed and detail. Although the typical resolutions are in millimetre ranges, neural responses travel much faster than this and this technology is therefore missing a lot. Until a higher level of accuracy is possible then conclusive results cannot be assumed as they do not describe the full extent of function. Additionally the area in the brain that is actively visible during sexual attraction is identified in research to be the area in the brain is responsible for sexual attraction. There are in fact many areas of the brain actively cooperating and integrating during very simple behaviours, love is far more complex than these simple behaviours. The idea of “the sexual attraction area” or even areas needs to be reported with caution and scepticism.
Animal studies have produced valuable insights into love; however, direct correlations between animal and human systems are highly speculative. To be able to provide a more illuminating understanding of love and its various stages research needs to combine several techniques including; a personality profile, endocrine levels, fMRI’s, and psychological data conducted through questionnaires. Love is a complex emotion – motivational system, not due to science but due to its flexibility, many different shades and forms, and should therefore be given its due respect.
There is still a lot to learn before we are able to accurately translate the hormonal changes in the brain to behavioural correlations in humans. Humans possess higher order thinking, they are lifelong learners who are combined products of their genes, experiences and environmental influences. These contributing factors are undoubtedly going to have a substantial effect on behaviour, and therefore the ways people love.
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I Love you With all my Brain. 