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Advances in the Science of Mating, Love, and Attachment in...
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Advances in the Science of Mating, Love, and Attachment in Romantic Relationships

A special issue of Behavioral Sciences (ISSN 2076-328X).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 September 2024) | Viewed by 38973

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Bianca P. Acevedo

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106-9660, USA
Interests: neuroimaging; pair-bonding; sensory processing sensitivity; romantic love; couples; relationship processes
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Adam Bode

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor Assistant
School of Archaeology & Anthropology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
Interests: romantic love; human mating; evolutionary behavioral science

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In recent decades, researchers have made notable contributions to the science of mating, love, and attachment. The field now has a better understanding of the biological and psychological processes that underly the formation, establishment, maintenance, and dissolution of pair bonds. Researchers have also continued to put forward theories and measures and use new methodical instruments—including EEG, fMRI, and virtual reality—to advance the science of romantic relationships. They have also progressed with the times, studying the impact of contextual factors— such as online dating and the COVID-19 pandemic—and have paid greater attention to diversity. Thus, the landscape of the study of pair bonds is evolving and creating a more inclusive perspective on relationship science.

As such, this Special Issue aims to showcase new evidence on mating, pair-bonding, and attachment behaviors and processes observed in humans and other species. From short-term to long-term mating, the great variation in mating strategies has opened up important areas of research. Sex and behavioral strategies for mating are varied, and technology has facilitated the expression and investigation of their variation. Mate choice also takes many forms and is influenced by a variety of factors including attraction, age, personality, romantic/passionate love, and culture as well. Courtship is increasingly undertaken in online dating contexts, but still, propinquity plays a role, so it occurs in the workplace, school, and via social networks. Also, how individuals choose to express commitment to their romantic partnerships is shifting, such that many are choosing to remain unmarried and prolong singlehood. All of these areas, and many more, represent rich fields of inquiry that shed light on the very essence of variety in the expression of romantic relationships.

In this Special Issue, we seek to cast a wide net to build a collection of studies that examine romantic relationships through a new lens or build on existing work. Specifically, this Special Issue on love, mating, and attachment will highlight studies that expand knowledge on questions and topics that never cease to captivate and motivate us and which are critical for the propagation and well-being of our species. We welcome papers from all fields that focus on mating, love, and attachment in romantic relationships/pair bonds and that use a variety of methodologies to examine these topics.

Prof. Dr. Bianca P. Acevedo
Guest Editor

Adam Bode
Guest Editor Assistant

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Behavioral Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • short and long-term mating
  • mate choice
  • attraction
  • romantic love
  • pair-bonding
  • online dating
  • mate preferences
  • jealousy
  • infidelity
  • co-habitation
  • marriage
  • sex
  • attachment theory
  • couples therapy
  • psychometrics
  • measures
  • quantitative and qualitative research
  • fMRI
  • EEG
  • psychophysiology

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

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22 pages, 1953 KiB  
Article
Emerging Love: A Subjective Exploration of Romantic Bonds in Early Adulthood Within the South Korean Context
by Seo Jung Shin, Ji Seong Yi and Song Yi Lee
Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(12), 1135; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14121135 - 26 Nov 2024
Viewed by 550
Abstract
This study examines and categorises subjective perceptions of love among individuals in their twenties and thirties, offering insights into their viewpoints during early adulthood. The study employed the Q methodology, suitable for analysing subjective perceptions such as perspectives, thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes. It [...] Read more.
This study examines and categorises subjective perceptions of love among individuals in their twenties and thirties, offering insights into their viewpoints during early adulthood. The study employed the Q methodology, suitable for analysing subjective perceptions such as perspectives, thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes. It included 23 participants selected through purposive sampling from the 2030 generation residing in South Korea, with 40 statements constructed for the research. The findings revealed four types. Type 1, ‘Love Healing’, experiences psychological well-being through love. Type 2, ‘Love Anxious’, longs for true love but is anxious. Type 3, ‘Love Myself’, expresses hope for healthy love through self-awareness. Type 4, ‘Love Mate’, seeks to maintain psychological love while pursuing independence. This research also explores similarities and differences between existing adult attachment and love types, highlighting the need for practical support tailored to each type. These insights may serve as a foundation for developing coaching and counselling services that help individuals in their twenties and thirties cultivate healthy love and mature into their authentic selves. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Science of Mating, Love, and Attachment in Romantic Relationships)
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16 pages, 3987 KiB  
Article
Coupling Up: A Dynamic Investigation of Romantic Partners’ Neurobiological States During Nonverbal Connection
by Cailee M. Nelson, Christian O’Reilly, Mengya Xia and Caitlin M. Hudac
Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(12), 1133; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14121133 - 26 Nov 2024
Viewed by 670
Abstract
Nonverbal connection is an important aspect of everyday communication. For romantic partners, nonverbal connection is essential for establishing and maintaining feelings of closeness. EEG hyperscanning offers a unique opportunity to examine the link between nonverbal connection and neural synchrony among romantic partners. This [...] Read more.
Nonverbal connection is an important aspect of everyday communication. For romantic partners, nonverbal connection is essential for establishing and maintaining feelings of closeness. EEG hyperscanning offers a unique opportunity to examine the link between nonverbal connection and neural synchrony among romantic partners. This current study used an EEG hyperscanning paradigm to collect frontal alpha asymmetry (FAA) signatures from 30 participants (15 romantic dyads) engaged in five different types of nonverbal connection that varied based on physical touch and visual contact. The results suggest that there was a lack of FAA while romantic partners were embracing and positive FAA (i.e., indicating approach) while they were holding hands, looking at each other, or doing both. Additionally, partners’ FAA synchrony was greatest at a four second lag while they were holding hands and looking at each other. Finally, there was a significant association between partners’ weekly negative feelings and FAA such that as they felt more negative their FAA became more positive. Taken together, this study further supports the idea that fleeting moments of interpersonal touch and gaze are important for the biological mechanisms that may underlie affiliative pair bonding in romantic relationships. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Science of Mating, Love, and Attachment in Romantic Relationships)
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26 pages, 1923 KiB  
Article
Adult Attachment and Emotion Regulation Flexibility in Romantic Relationships
by Farnaz Mosannenzadeh, Maartje Luijten, Dominique F. MacIejewski, Grace V. Wiewel and Johan C. Karremans
Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(9), 758; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14090758 - 27 Aug 2024
Viewed by 3967
Abstract
Adults with attachment insecurity often struggle in romantic relationships due to difficulties in emotion regulation (ER). One potentially influential yet understudied factor is the inflexible over-reliance on either intrapersonal (self-directed, e.g., suppression) or interpersonal (involving others, e.g., sharing) ER. This study investigates the [...] Read more.
Adults with attachment insecurity often struggle in romantic relationships due to difficulties in emotion regulation (ER). One potentially influential yet understudied factor is the inflexible over-reliance on either intrapersonal (self-directed, e.g., suppression) or interpersonal (involving others, e.g., sharing) ER. This study investigates the association between attachment insecurity and flexibility in using interpersonal versus intrapersonal ER in response to daily stressors in romantic relationships. We hypothesized that higher attachment avoidance and anxiety are associated with (H1) higher reliance on either intrapersonal or interpersonal ER over the other, respectively; (H2) less variable use of interpersonal compared to intrapersonal ER over time; and (H3) less flexible use of interpersonal compared to intrapersonal ER depending on the availability of a romantic partner. Study 1 (N = 174; 133 females, Mage = 23.79, SDage = 7.63) used an online cross-sectional survey to measure average inter/intrapersonal ER, addressing H1. Study 2 (N = 124; 104 females, Mage = 22.45, SDage = 6.39), combined a baseline survey with experience sampling (7 days, 8 notifications/day), addressing H1, H2, and H3. Results showed that higher attachment avoidance was associated with lower interpersonal compared to intrapersonal ER. Higher attachment anxiety was associated with less variable use of interpersonal compared to intrapersonal ER and less flexible use of interpersonal ER depending on partner availability. These findings suggest distinct associations between attachment orientations and ER flexibility, explaining ER difficulties in individuals with high attachment insecurity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Science of Mating, Love, and Attachment in Romantic Relationships)
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21 pages, 540 KiB  
Article
Development and Preliminary Validation of the Lovebird Scale
by Sara Cloonan, Lara Ault, Karen L. Weihs and Richard D. Lane
Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(9), 747; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14090747 - 26 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1170
Abstract
The term “lovebirds” is often used to describe the loving behaviors and interactions between two romantic partners, but what specific processes distinguish these flourishing lovebird relationships from other committed but “numbed” relationships? The present study aimed to address this knowledge gap through the [...] Read more.
The term “lovebirds” is often used to describe the loving behaviors and interactions between two romantic partners, but what specific processes distinguish these flourishing lovebird relationships from other committed but “numbed” relationships? The present study aimed to address this knowledge gap through the development and preliminary validation of the Lovebird Scale. The Lovebird Scale describes the thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and habits that constitute and maintain relationship flourishing, which in turn could promote aspects of individual flourishing such as positive affect. We conducted three studies using data collected from 996 English-speaking U.S. adults (64.2% Female, M = 39.2 years old) who reported being in a romantic relationship for at least six months (M = 11.2 years). In Study 1, we conducted an exploratory factor analysis to determine the underlying factor structure. In Study 2, confirmatory factor analyses revealed a three-factor model nested within a higher-order factor representing lovebird relationships. In Study 3, we cross-validated the higher-order structure, examined the construct validity of the scale, and explored associations between the Lovebird Scale and affective state. Finally, we discuss how the Lovebird Scale contributes to the growing field of positive relationship science as well as conceptual and clinical implications of the scale. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Science of Mating, Love, and Attachment in Romantic Relationships)
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19 pages, 1166 KiB  
Article
“All You Need Is Love” a Social Network Approach to Understanding Attachment Networks in Adulthood
by Junnan Tian and Harry Freeman
Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(8), 647; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14080647 - 26 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1135
Abstract
This study examined five dimensions of attachment network structure in a large sample of adults (n = 930, 57% female) between 24 to 80 years of age. We employed a newly validated diagrammatic measure, the web-based hierarchical mapping technique (WHMT), to measure [...] Read more.
This study examined five dimensions of attachment network structure in a large sample of adults (n = 930, 57% female) between 24 to 80 years of age. We employed a newly validated diagrammatic measure, the web-based hierarchical mapping technique (WHMT), to measure the attachment strength to participants’ five closest relationships and the physical distance to and between network members. Our first aim was to replicate existing research on the composition of adult attachment networks, exploring variations in network patterns by age, romantic status, and parental status. Our second aim was to explore four new network dimensions, including physical distance to network members, hierarchical patterns, centrality, and density. The results replicated previous work on network composition, highlighting the pivotal role of romantic partners as primary attachment figures through adulthood. The analysis of the new network dimensions revealed a clear divide between adults in romantic relationships and those who are not. Compared to the single adults, the adults in romantic relationships were more hierarchical in their attachment preferences, reported lower emotional connection to friends and parents, and lived farther from their network, which was also more geographically dispersed. In other words, romantically involved adults put more of their attachment eggs in one basket. The results also showed that the older adults tended to live further away from their attachment network and had a more geographically dispersed network compared to the younger adults. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Science of Mating, Love, and Attachment in Romantic Relationships)
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14 pages, 1337 KiB  
Article
Loneliness and Relationship Well-Being: Investigating the Mediating Roles of Relationship Awareness and Distraction among Romantic Partners
by Thomas B. Sease, Emily K. Sandoz, Leo Yoke, Julie A. Swets and Cathy R. Cox
Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(6), 439; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14060439 - 24 May 2024
Viewed by 1813
Abstract
Loneliness arises when there is a discrepancy between one’s desired and actual social connection with others. Studies examining the effects of loneliness in romantic relationships show that people who are lonely are less satisfied and committed to their romantic relationships. The present study [...] Read more.
Loneliness arises when there is a discrepancy between one’s desired and actual social connection with others. Studies examining the effects of loneliness in romantic relationships show that people who are lonely are less satisfied and committed to their romantic relationships. The present study explored the association between loneliness and romantic relationship well-being. Using a cross-sectional design, loneliness was correlated with relationship commitment, trust, and conflict. Relationship awareness, but not relationship distraction, statistically mediated the association between loneliness, relationship conflict, and relationship trust. The indirect effect of loneliness on relationship well-being was only present in people reporting low and medium levels of psychological inflexibility. Implications are discussed for acceptance- and mindfulness-based interventions for persons in romantic relationships. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Science of Mating, Love, and Attachment in Romantic Relationships)
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17 pages, 1050 KiB  
Article
Attachment Orientation and Preferences for Partners’ Emotional Responses in Stressful and Positive Situations
by Brian N. Chin, Lauryn Kim, Shelby M. Parsons and Brooke C. Feeney
Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(1), 77; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14010077 - 22 Jan 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2771
Abstract
Attachment theory proposes that close relationships help us to regulate our emotions in stressful and positive situations. However, no previous studies have examined preferences for a partner’s emotional response to one’s own stressful and positive situations or tested whether these preferences differ based [...] Read more.
Attachment theory proposes that close relationships help us to regulate our emotions in stressful and positive situations. However, no previous studies have examined preferences for a partner’s emotional response to one’s own stressful and positive situations or tested whether these preferences differ based on attachment orientation. This study examines the association of attachment orientation and preferences for partners’ emotional responses relative to one’s own emotional responses in stressful and positive contexts among 425 United States adults who were currently in a committed relationship of ≥6 months. Data were collected in 2020. Overall, participants preferred their partners to feel and express less distress, less worry, more calm, and more hope than themselves during stressful situations and for their partners to feel and express more excitement, pride, and hope than themselves during positive situations. Higher attachment anxiety predicted preferences for partners to feel and express more distress/worry in stressful situations, whereas higher attachment avoidance predicted preferences for partners to feel and express less hope in stressful situations. Statistical interactions of attachment anxiety × attachment avoidance indicated that the combination of low attachment anxiety and high attachment avoidance (dismissing avoidance) was associated with preferences for partners to feel and express less positive emotions in positive situations, whereas the combination of high attachment anxiety and high attachment avoidance (fearful avoidance) was associated with preferences for partners to feel and express more negative emotions in stressful situations and less positive emotions in positive situations. This investigation provides novel evidence for links between attachment orientation and preferences for partners’ emotional responses in two theoretically important contexts, which has implications for the nature and function of emotion regulation in close relationships. Future research is needed to determine the generalizability of these findings to more collectivist cultural contexts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Science of Mating, Love, and Attachment in Romantic Relationships)
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18 pages, 733 KiB  
Article
Romantic Love and Behavioral Activation System Sensitivity to a Loved One
by Adam Bode and Phillip S. Kavanagh
Behav. Sci. 2023, 13(11), 921; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs13110921 - 10 Nov 2023
Viewed by 19629
Abstract
Research investigating the mechanisms that contribute to romantic love is in its infancy. The behavioral activation system is one biopsychological system that has been demonstrated to play a role in several motivational outcomes. This study was the first to investigate romantic love and [...] Read more.
Research investigating the mechanisms that contribute to romantic love is in its infancy. The behavioral activation system is one biopsychological system that has been demonstrated to play a role in several motivational outcomes. This study was the first to investigate romantic love and the behavioral activation system. In study 1, the Behavioral Activation System—Sensitivity to a Loved One (BAS-SLO) Scale was validated in a sample of 1556 partnered young adults experiencing romantic love. In study 2, hierarchical linear regression was used to identify BAS-SLO Scale associations with the intensity of romantic love in a subsample of 812 partnered young adults experiencing romantic love for two years or less. The BAS-SLO Scale explained 8.89% of the variance in the intensity of romantic love. Subject to further validation and testing, the BAS-SLO Scale may be useful in future neuroimaging and psychological studies. The findings are considered in terms of the mechanisms and evolutionary history of romantic love. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Science of Mating, Love, and Attachment in Romantic Relationships)
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Review

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9 pages, 227 KiB  
Review
Refuting Six Misconceptions about Romantic Love
by Sandra J. E. Langeslag
Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(5), 383; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14050383 - 2 May 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3801
Abstract
Scientific research on romantic love has been relatively sparse but is becoming more prevalent, as it should. Unfortunately, several misconceptions about romantic love are becoming entrenched in the popular media and/or the scientific community, which hampers progress. Therefore, I refute six misconceptions about [...] Read more.
Scientific research on romantic love has been relatively sparse but is becoming more prevalent, as it should. Unfortunately, several misconceptions about romantic love are becoming entrenched in the popular media and/or the scientific community, which hampers progress. Therefore, I refute six misconceptions about romantic love in this article. I explain why (1) romantic love is not necessarily dyadic, social, or interpersonal, (2) love is not an emotion, (3) romantic love does not just have positive effects, (4) romantic love is not uncontrollable, (5) there is no dedicated love brain region, neurotransmitter, or hormone, and (6) pharmacological manipulation of romantic love is not near. To increase progress in our scientific understanding of romantic love, I recommend that we study the intrapersonal aspects of romantic love including the intensity of love, that we focus our research questions and designs using a component process model of romantic love, and that we distinguish hypotheses and suggestions from empirical findings when citing previous work. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Science of Mating, Love, and Attachment in Romantic Relationships)
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