Episode
Science of Social Bonding in Family, Friendship & Romantic Love
1:33:10
Published: Mon Dec 20 2021
Description
This episode I discuss the science of social bonding- the process by which we form attachments. I explain the neural and hormonal basis for "social homeostasis" (our drive for a given amount of socializing) which reveals why we get lonely, why we seek out connection with others and how power dynamics (hierarchies) shape those connections. I also discuss the neurochemical basis of introversion and extroversion, of trust and how shared experiences that promote similar physiological states in two or more individuals, leads to more rapid bonding. I also discuss how food and oxytocin play key roles in social bonding. This episode covers quality peer-reviewed science and practical tools for anyone seeking to find, build or end relationships. For the full show notes, visit hubermanlab.com. Thank you to our sponsors AG1 (Athletic Greens): https://athleticgreens.com/huberman LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/huberman Thesis: https://takethesis.com/huberman Supplements from Momentous https://www.livemomentous.com/huberman Timestamps (00:00:00) Social Bonding: Child-Parent, Romantic, Friendship, Breakups (00:03:10) Sponsors: AG1, LMNT, Thesis, Momentous (00:07:08) Social Bonding as a Biological Process (00:10:03) Social Isolation (00:13:32) Social Homeostasis & Neural Circuits for Social Drive (00:18:55) Brain Areas & (Neuro)Chemistry of Social Drive (00:22:48) What is Social Homeostasis & Dopamine (00:27:00) When We Lack Social Interactions: Short- Versus Long-Term (00:28:10) Introverts & Extroverts (00:31:00) “Good” Versus “Bad” Social Interactions & Hierarchies (00:33:54) Loneliness & Dorsal Raphe Nucleus & Social Hunger (00:37:33) Tools (00:38:05) Socializing & Food Appetite: Crossover Craving (00:42:45) Falling in Love (00:45:05) Tools for Social Bonds: Merging Physiologies; Story (00:53:54) Childhood Attachment Patterns in Adulthood (01:03:45) Attachment Styles: Autonomic Versus Intellectual Attachment (01:06:10) Emotional Empathy & Cognitive Empathy, Arguing (01:09:45) Allan N. Schore & “Right Brain Psychotherapy” (01:10:40) Oxytocin & Trust, In Males Versus Females, Hormonal Glue (01:16:10) Repairing Broken Bonds to Self & Others (01:18:56) Social (Media) Butterflies: Biological Basis (01:24:08) Key Points for Bonding & Understanding Social Bonds (01:27:07) Breaking Up (01:28:36) Synthesis (01:31:17) Zero-Cost Support, Sponsors, Supplements, Instagram, Twitter Title Card Photo Credit: Mike Blabac Disclaimer
Chapters
The podcast discusses the brain circuitries activated in social bonds, including those in families, friendships, and romantic relationships, as well as the ones in infants and parents.
00:00 - 01:51 (01:51)
Summary
The podcast discusses the brain circuitries activated in social bonds, including those in families, friendships, and romantic relationships, as well as the ones in infants and parents.
EpisodeScience of Social Bonding in Family, Friendship & Romantic Love
PodcastHuberman Lab
The podcast discusses using InsideTracker to get personalized recommendations for lifestyle, nutrition, and supplements that are optimized for effectiveness and cost, along with tips for managing social bonds for overall health benefits.
01:51 - 07:44 (05:53)
Summary
The podcast discusses using InsideTracker to get personalized recommendations for lifestyle, nutrition, and supplements that are optimized for effectiveness and cost, along with tips for managing social bonds for overall health benefits.
EpisodeScience of Social Bonding in Family, Friendship & Romantic Love
PodcastHuberman Lab
This podcast discusses the biology of social bonding and how neural circuits, brain areas, hormones and chemicals in the brain and body are responsible for social bonding and isolation.
07:44 - 16:06 (08:21)
Summary
This podcast discusses the biology of social bonding and how neural circuits, brain areas, hormones and chemicals in the brain and body are responsible for social bonding and isolation. Cortisol levels and other chemicals in the brain and body can motivate organsims to seek out social bonds if they are socially isolated for too long.
EpisodeScience of Social Bonding in Family, Friendship & Romantic Love
PodcastHuberman Lab
The dorsal raphe nucleus plays a critical role in social homeostasis and social bonding, while the lateral and periventricular hypothalamus are involved in the control center of this circuit.
16:06 - 26:19 (10:13)
Summary
The dorsal raphe nucleus plays a critical role in social homeostasis and social bonding, while the lateral and periventricular hypothalamus are involved in the control center of this circuit. Dopamine is released in the brain when individuals are not interacting at the right frequency or intensity.
EpisodeScience of Social Bonding in Family, Friendship & Romantic Love
PodcastHuberman Lab
The idea is that introverts are people who when they engage in certain forms of social interaction, either the amount of dopamine that's released is greater than it is in an extrovert.
26:19 - 32:04 (05:45)
Summary
The idea is that introverts are people who when they engage in certain forms of social interaction, either the amount of dopamine that's released is greater than it is in an extrovert.
EpisodeScience of Social Bonding in Family, Friendship & Romantic Love
PodcastHuberman Lab
The brains of extroverts require less social interaction as compared to introverts to combat loneliness.
32:04 - 39:40 (07:35)
Summary
The brains of extroverts require less social interaction as compared to introverts to combat loneliness. The amount of social interaction directly affects the production of dopamine, a brain chemical relevant for social interactions.
EpisodeScience of Social Bonding in Family, Friendship & Romantic Love
PodcastHuberman Lab
A study found that socially isolated people showed increased social craving when viewing images of people interacting and faces, compared to other stimuli like flowers, and brain imaging demonstrated increased activity in response to social stimuli.
39:40 - 46:21 (06:41)
Summary
A study found that socially isolated people showed increased social craving when viewing images of people interacting and faces, compared to other stimuli like flowers, and brain imaging demonstrated increased activity in response to social stimuli. This leads to the conclusion that social isolation creates intense craving which can lead to behaviors like overeating and lack of sleep.
EpisodeScience of Social Bonding in Family, Friendship & Romantic Love
PodcastHuberman Lab
A study has found that people's heart rates start to synchronize when they listen to the same story at different times, which can be a useful tool for improving relationships with others.
46:21 - 55:14 (08:53)
Summary
A study has found that people's heart rates start to synchronize when they listen to the same story at different times, which can be a useful tool for improving relationships with others.
EpisodeScience of Social Bonding in Family, Friendship & Romantic Love
PodcastHuberman Lab
The healthy social bonding between children and caregivers depends on the synchronization of right and left brain systems and the autonomic nervous system.
55:14 - 1:05:03 (09:48)
Summary
The healthy social bonding between children and caregivers depends on the synchronization of right and left brain systems and the autonomic nervous system. Studies have shown that the physical contact between a mother and child, such as breathing, heart rate, and pupil size, are actively getting coordinated as the mother regulates the infant's autonomic nervous system, while the infant also regulates the mother's autonomic nervous system.
EpisodeScience of Social Bonding in Family, Friendship & Romantic Love
PodcastHuberman Lab
The establishment of strong social bonds between caregivers and children, as well as romantic and to some extent, friendly relationships, heavily rely on both cognitive empathy and emotional empathy.
1:05:03 - 1:11:07 (06:04)
Summary
The establishment of strong social bonds between caregivers and children, as well as romantic and to some extent, friendly relationships, heavily rely on both cognitive empathy and emotional empathy. Trust is more likely to be established with individuals who have high levels of both types of empathy.
EpisodeScience of Social Bonding in Family, Friendship & Romantic Love
PodcastHuberman Lab
The oxytocin gene plays a significant role in regulating the amount and function of oxytocin, a hormone linked to autonomic bonding.
1:11:07 - 1:20:26 (09:19)
Summary
The oxytocin gene plays a significant role in regulating the amount and function of oxytocin, a hormone linked to autonomic bonding. Variants in the oxytocin system have been associated with autism, and there are two separate pathways by which oxytocin can affect individuals.
EpisodeScience of Social Bonding in Family, Friendship & Romantic Love
PodcastHuberman Lab
Researchers found that individuals who carry certain variants in oxytocin and oxytocin receptor genes seek out more social interactions on social media platforms, as evidenced by a social desirability index.
1:20:26 - 1:31:52 (11:25)
Summary
Researchers found that individuals who carry certain variants in oxytocin and oxytocin receptor genes seek out more social interactions on social media platforms, as evidenced by a social desirability index.
EpisodeScience of Social Bonding in Family, Friendship & Romantic Love
PodcastHuberman Lab
The episode ends with reminders to subscribe to the podcast and leave a review, and a mention of the sponsor Momentous Supplements.
1:31:52 - 1:33:05 (01:13)
Summary
The episode ends with reminders to subscribe to the podcast and leave a review, and a mention of the sponsor Momentous Supplements. It also encourages listeners to follow the Huberman Lab on social media and thank them for their interest in science.