Brain Sci June 2022 PMID 35884637

The Neurobiological Basis of Love: A Meta-Analysis of Human Functional Neuroimaging Studies of Maternal and Passionate Love.

Hsuan-Chu Shih, Mu-En Kuo, Changwei W Wu, Yi-Ping Chao, Hsu-Wen Huang, Chih-Mao Huang

Mentions

23
Peak: 9 in Feb 2024
across 4 sources since Jul 2022

Extended reach

16,808
potential audience

Total likes

187

Video views

2,508

Mentions per month

Jul 2022 – Nov 2025

Where it's discussed

  • YouTube10 videos
  • X / Twitter8 posts
  • News3 articles
  • Blogs2 articles

AI synopsis

What people are saying

The overall tone and choice of words suggest a shared recognition of the article’s importance, with posts like 'Probably

AgreementModerate agreement

Most discussions recognize the study’s findings that maternal and passionate love share neurobiological roots, supporting the idea of a common evolutionary basis.

InterestModerate interest

Participants show some interest, frequently referencing the article and related neuroimaging research, although their comments mainly paraphrase or promote the publication.

EngagementModerate engagement

There is moderate engagement, with users discussing the article’s content and implications, but few delve into detailed analysis or critique.

ImpactModerate impact

The talks imply that the research is impactful, emphasizing how understanding brain mechanisms could influence perceptions of love and attachment, though some comments remain superficial.

Abstract in brief

  • The study presents a meta-analysis of human neuroimaging research, identifying brain regions involved in maternal and passionate love, and finds that both types of love activate overlapping areas like the ventral tegmental area (VTA), suggesting a shared neurobiological foundation.
  • Maternal love is linked more to cognitive and emotional regulation involving specific brain regions such as the left ventral tegmental area, right thalamus, and substantia nigra, while passionate love involves bilateral VTA, indicating differences in how they are processed.
  • The results imply that both maternal and passionate love involve dopamine-related reward systems, pointing to an evolutionary origin for the neurobiological mechanisms underlying human attachment and romantic bonds.

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
Flux Society
@FluxSociety · X

For some, this day may just be a cliché, but love - in all its forms – affects the brain. Different kinds of affection are thought to activate unique brain networks with shared key regions, such as motivation and reward brain areas. So show some love! https://t.co/ogPTCNtojH https://t.co/rM1zuJFR4h

Feb 14, 2023 · 10 likes · 1 share · 2,988 followers View post →
Alain Delannoy
@Dr_ADelannoy · X

Probably "maternal and passionate love share a common evolutionary origin and neurobiological basis in the human brain". https://t.co/OB4ZuB5RZS #mdpibrainsci via @BrainSci_MDPI

Nov 9, 2025 · 3 likes · 2 shares · 3,070 followers View post →
Adam Bode
@AdamBode4 · X

The Neurobiological Basis of Love: A Meta-Analysis of Human Functional Neuroimaging Studies of Maternal and Passionate Love https://t.co/AfjwvInFSA

Jul 21, 2022 · 1 like · 1 share · 550 followers View post →
SystematicReviewBot
@EvidenceRobot · X

RT @AdamBode4: The Neurobiological Basis of Love: A Meta-Analysis of Human Functional Neuroimaging Studies of Maternal and Passionate Love…

Jul 21, 2022 · 1 share · 6,718 followers View post →
Lindsey Mooney
@Linz_Mooney · X

RT @FluxSociety: For some, this day may just be a cliché, but love - in all its forms – affects the brain. Different kinds of affection are…

Feb 14, 2023 · 1 share · 380 followers View post →
T.H. Huxley
@THHuxley1 · X

@American9899 @WilliamMcgibney Just explained it sunshine. https://t.co/wXCuU73NuL

Jan 17, 2025 · 291 followers View post →

All mentions

Alain Delannoy
@Dr_ADelannoy · X

Probably "maternal and passionate love share a common evolutionary origin and neurobiological basis in the human brain". https://t.co/OB4ZuB5RZS #mdpibrainsci via @BrainSci_MDPI

Nov 9, 2025 · 3 likes · 2 shares · 3,070 followers View post →
T.H. Huxley
@THHuxley1 · X

@American9899 @WilliamMcgibney Just explained it sunshine. https://t.co/wXCuU73NuL

Jan 17, 2025 · 291 followers View post →
T.H. Huxley
@THHuxley1 · X

@American9899 @WilliamMcgibney 2/ But here you go sunshine. Pro tip: Read more, post less. https://t.co/wXCuU73NuL

Jan 17, 2025 · 291 followers View post →
Lindsey Mooney
@Linz_Mooney · X

RT @FluxSociety: For some, this day may just be a cliché, but love - in all its forms – affects the brain. Different kinds of affection are…

Feb 14, 2023 · 1 share · 380 followers View post →
Flux Society
@FluxSociety · X

For some, this day may just be a cliché, but love - in all its forms – affects the brain. Different kinds of affection are thought to activate unique brain networks with shared key regions, such as motivation and reward brain areas. So show some love! https://t.co/ogPTCNtojH https://t.co/rM1zuJFR4h

Feb 14, 2023 · 10 likes · 1 share · 2,988 followers View post →
Brain Map
@BrainMapProject · X

Read Shih (et al., 2022)'s "The Neurobiological Basis of Love: A Meta-Analysis of Human Functional Neuroimaging Studies of Maternal and Passionate Love" at https://t.co/xfH5xQIEhT!

Jan 11, 2023 · 2 followers View post →
SystematicReviewBot
@EvidenceRobot · X

RT @AdamBode4: The Neurobiological Basis of Love: A Meta-Analysis of Human Functional Neuroimaging Studies of Maternal and Passionate Love…

Jul 21, 2022 · 1 share · 6,718 followers View post →
Adam Bode
@AdamBode4 · X

The Neurobiological Basis of Love: A Meta-Analysis of Human Functional Neuroimaging Studies of Maternal and Passionate Love https://t.co/AfjwvInFSA

Jul 21, 2022 · 1 like · 1 share · 550 followers View post →