Biological Theories of Attraction

What does the biological approach argue about human attraction?

That attraction has its roots in natural selection and is primarily a physiological response.

What is a characteristic symptom of romantic love?

Obsession with the loved one.

What mental changes occur when someone is attracted to another person?

Altered mental state with mood swings depending on the loved one’s response.

What did Fisher believe about love?

That love should be seen as a motivation system.

Which brain system did Fisher link to attraction?

A specific attraction system associated with dopamine-rich areas.

What is the purpose of the attraction system according to Fisher?

To attract mates and enable individuals to focus mating energy on one specific partner.

What neurotransmitter is responsible for motivation?

Dopamine.

What neurotransmitter helps control emotions and stress?

Noradrenaline.

What happens when noradrenaline levels are elevated?

Increased alertness and attentiveness.

What happens to serotonin levels when we fall in love?

They decrease.

What can low serotonin levels cause during love?

Obsessive thinking and heightened mood extremes.

What hormone increases sexual desire towards new partners and aggression?

Testosterone.

What is attachment?

The development of relationships over time as attraction moves to intimacy.

What are attachment behaviours?

Innate behaviours and physiological responses fundamental for keeping two individuals together.

What is the role of vasopressin?

It supports long-term commitment and is released during sex.

What is the role of oxytocin?

It intensifies attachment, is released during touch and sex, and strengthens bonds.

When is oxytocin released in women besides sex?

During childbirth to secure a bond between mother and infant.

How does oxytocin affect the amygdala?

It suppresses its activity, lowering anxiety and aggression.

What does biochemistry help us understand in attraction?

What happens in the body when falling in love or forming attachments.

What does biochemistry fail to explain about attraction?

Why some people are found more attractive than others.

What theory do evolutionary psychologists use to explain attraction?

The theory of natural selection.

What is a key criticism of evolutionary explanations?

They assume behaviours are inherited, which is not necessarily true.

Why might mating behaviours not be universal?

Because traits may depend on cultural and historical circumstances.

What is a limitation regarding ecological validity in evolutionary studies?

Tasks may lack realism and not reflect real-world behaviour.

Why is studying animal behaviour a limitation?

Because generalising animal attraction to humans is debatable.

Why do evolutionary explanations not establish causation?

They are correlational and descriptive rather than causal.