Affection, Science, and Society: A Narrative Review on Romantic Love

Abstract

ristics. In recent years, interdisciplinary approaches have enriched the debate, encompassing cultural, social, neurophysiological, chemical, and behavioral dimensions. Historically, love has been described for over 5,000 years, represented in literature and the arts, and more recently investigated in fields such as psychology and neuroscience. This narrative review aims to explore the neurobiological aspects of romantic love, adopting a biological perspective that defines it as a motivational state associated with increased mating desire. Neuroimaging studies reveal the activation of brain areas such as the nucleus accumbens and the ventral tegmental area, regions involved in the brain’s reward system and associated with pleasure and motivation, when romantic love is experienced. These motivational states also promote significant neurochemical changes, involving neurotransmitters (dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin) and hormones (cortisol, LH, FSH). These mechanisms play a crucial role in the formation of emotional bonds and social behaviors, highlighting the complexity of romantic attachment. Given its multifaceted nature, the study of love calls for an interdisciplinary approach. Future research should aim to differentiate the various forms of love and deepen our understanding of their neurobiological underpinnings, contributing to clinical and social applications.