Jim Mourey

Interested in the science of relationships? Jim Mourey, the PhD candidate who heads up FG’s Greenlight Research Group, is here to tell us what’s going on in the brain in the various stages of making a connection. These stages are true for any kind of positive relationship bonding – romantic, professional, personal.

The Approach: The thought of a relationship releases dopamine in the brain (yes, think "dope"), which makes people more excitable, more sociable, and more engaging.  We're wired for socializing!

The Connection: The actual "connection" of a relationship releases endorphins, the same peptide hormone responsible for that "happy" feeling we get after exercising.

The Encoding: We encode our "relationships" much like Pavlov's dog through classical conditioning at the brain level.  That is: presentation of relationship occurs simultaneously with presentation of "happy feeling" chemicals, so we associate developing relationships with that "happy feeling" and want more of it.

The Maintenance: Physical touching, sex, and even childbirth triggers the release of oxytocin and vasopressin in females and males respectively, which are chemicals shown to secure lasting bonds in all kinds of relationships – romantic, parental, and friendly.  Researchers believe this helps us maintain our relationships.  In fact, when scientists artificially prevent these chemicals from occurring in animals, the animals become polygamous, don't spend time with their partners, and often spend time alone.  When scientists artificially increase these chemicals, lab animals become monogamous, prefer spending time with others rather than alone, etc.

The Addiction: We want relationships SO much, and the resulting neurochemical effects are SO strong, that relationships truly are addictions.  Love and relationships activate the same brain areas associated with addictions of other types.  Humans are innately addicted to relationships!

Go forth and bond!

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