What happens when science meets love? The answer is relationship research, a field that combines psychology, biology, and sociology to understand romantic bonds. The three scientists I introduce today could change the way we think about love, monogamy, and even the language of the heart. But beware: the “science of love” and its scientific discoveries aren’t always what we want to hear.
The Science of Love: A Multidisciplinary Field
La science of love is a fascinating field that explores the dynamics of human relationships across disciplines, from psychology to biology. Between personal anecdotes and scientific discoveries, a recent interview with Nature reveals how the work of some scientists has led them to reflect not only on the relationships of others, but also on their own. In essence, a complex and surprising picture of human bonding emerges, which also allows us to glimpse “mutations” for the very near future.
“We are doing research that touches the hearts of so many people from so many different backgrounds,” he said. Justin Garcia, executive director of Kinsey Institute at Indiana University.
Garcia, an evolutionary biologist, focuses on theevolution of monogamy, distinguishing between social monogamy (couple bonds) and sexual monogamy (fidelity). This distinction is essential to understanding how feelings influence romantic and sexual relationships. This theme is already resonating with some of you. I know, I feel it.
Kenneth Tan: Exploring Love Across Cultures
Kenneth Tan he is a psychologist of the Singapore Management University . His research focuses on how relationships are perceived and managed in different cultural contexts. During his military service in Singapore, Tan observed how many young men dealt with relationship problems while away from their partners. This inspired him to study theimpact of distance on romantic relationships. Between all his research, the discoveries (or confirmations) made about love? In one study, it was shown that couples who actively plan a future together are more stable.
“In Singapore, we never think about long-distance relationships because it’s a small country,” Tan said. “But overseas, I started to wonder how people maintain relationships.”
An interesting aspect of his work is the focus on commitment. Tan explains that feelings of commitment vary greatly across cultures, which influences how couples deal with challenges. When she publishes her findings, she often receives criticism for using only Asian samples, a problem that highlights the need for more diversity in research.
A love pill among Tan's research? Tasting sweet foods increases romantic perceptions toward your partner: an effect linked to the brain's association between sweetness and affection.
Justin Garcia: Monogamy and Beyond
Justin Garcia is another protagonist of this story. As a scientific consultant for a dating platform (don't laugh: in Japan they had to make it a state road (to try to stay afloat demographically), Garcia contributed to an annual study called Singles in America , which analyzes the habits and attitudes of over 5.000 singles in the United States. This project provides a demographically representative overview of more than 100 million American singles.
One of the main obstacles Garcia faces is a lack of funding. Federal agencies are often reluctant to fund research that includes the word “sex” in titles or abstracts. Still, Garcia continues to explore controversial topics like consensual monogamy and the role of feelings in romantic attraction. An academic colleague once asked him for help optimizing her dating profile, which reveals how his work affects the personal lives of other researchers. Who knows if he’ll have enough funding to help the “mass public” as well?
A love pill among Garcia's research? Adventurous travel photos in dating profiles (e.g. Machu Picchu) attract more interactions, because they offer conversation starters.
Sarah Stanton: Beyond the Myths of Love
Finally, we meet Sarah Stanton , a social psychologist at the University of Edinburgh. Her work focuses on how to improve relationship experiences for those who struggle with intimacy or have concerns that hinder connection. Stanton stresses the importance of bridging the gap between science and what is communicated to the public. Often, the media oversimplifies findings, leading to misunderstandings about feelings and relationship dynamics.
“One of my frustrations is the myth of the five love languages.1,” he says. “They’re not based on scientific evidence, but many people consider them a universal solution.”
His research links the quality of relationships to long-term health benefits, such as reduction of the risk of cardiovascular disease. Relationship anxiety, on the other hand, can increase cortisol levels.
A love pill among Stanton's research? Some people deliberately choose singlehood to avoid conflict. This shows that even “non-couple” can be an active and healthy choice.
The science of love is a footnote between the words “you” and “I love”
La science of love is an evolving field that combines interdisciplinary studies to understand human bonds. Through the stories of scientists like these, we can discover how feelings, culture, and biology influence our relationships. As we explore this field, each new discovery brings us a little closer to understanding what makes human relationships so complex and fascinating. If you're interested (and subscribe), found here the full interview.
- That of the gods five love languages (love languages) is a theory developed by Gary Chapman, psychologist and writer. According to Chapman, each person has a preferred way of expressing and receiving love, and understanding these languages is essential to building solid and lasting relationships. What does this “grammar” of feelings consist of?
Words of affirmation: This language is based on the use of kind words, compliments and affectionate messages to express love and appreciation.
Quality time: It represents the importance of spending meaningful moments together, dedicating attention and presence to your partner.
Receiving gifts: In this case, the gesture of giving and receiving gifts is seen as a way to demonstrate affection and consideration.
Acts of Service: This language refers to taking practical actions to help or support your partner, demonstrating love through concrete gestures.
Physical contact: It includes all forms of physical contact, such as hugs, kisses and caresses, which communicate affection and intimacy. ↩︎
