People often say that every painting, every poem, every novel or every song ever created is in someway about love. Love is a central theme in art and in our lives. Here is my list of a few books that offer very valuable insight into improving one’s life since they can help us understand better where this phenomenon comes from, how it works and what it means for the human condition. Here are the 7 best books on the psychology of love that you should consider:
On iTunes at: itunes.apple.com
Book critics call this wonderful book “a groundbreaking exploration of our most complex and mysterious emotion.” This book actually presents the results of a study in which Helen Fisher scanned the brains of the people who had just fallen madly in love and she proved that primordial areas of our brain “light up” when we experience this feeling. She explains what we experience when we fall in love, why we choose a specific person and how romantic love affects your sex drive and your feelings of attachment to your partner.
Helen Fisher's book, Why We Love, is a groundbreaking exploration of the complexities of love. It dives deep into the science of love, exploring the brain chemistry of those who have recently fallen in love. Fisher conducted a study in which she scanned the brains of those in love and found that certain areas of the brain “light up” when experiencing love.
In her book, Fisher explains the physical and emotional effects of love, as well as why we choose certain people to love. She also delves into the connection between sex and love, and how romantic love can affect our attachment to our partners.
The book has been praised by book critics for its comprehensive exploration of love. It is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the science behind love and relationships. It is available on iTunes at itunes.apple.com.
Fisher is a biological anthropologist and has conducted research on romantic love for over 30 years. She is the Chief Scientific Advisor at Match.com and has written several other books, including Why Him? Why Her? and The Anatomy of Love.
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In this wonderful book, the authors have gathered more than a dozen expert contributors to address the question about defining love. It’s actually a superb compilation of well-documented research on the dynamics of love. It deals with a wide range of truly scientific aspects of love but the research covered is informative and fascinating.
The New Psychology of Love by Robert J. Sternberg and Karin Sternberg is an essential read for anyone looking to gain a better understanding of the complexities of love. This book is a compilation of research from more than a dozen experts, covering a wide range of topics such as the definition of love, the dynamics of love, and the science behind it. It is an informative and fascinating read, offering insights into the nature of love that can be applied to both personal and professional relationships.
The authors have gone to great lengths to provide an in-depth look at the psychology of love, exploring the psychological, biological, and evolutionary aspects of it. They cover topics such as attachment theory, romantic love, and the effects of culture on relationships. Additionally, the book provides research-based evidence on how to build and maintain strong relationships. It also offers advice on how to recognize and deal with unhealthy relationships.
The New Psychology of Love is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to gain a better understanding of the psychology of love. It is a comprehensive guide to the complexities of love, offering insights and advice to help readers navigate their own relationships.
On Amazon at: amazon.com
This is an excellent book that outlines data that clearly shows how you might be imprisoned by your own pattern of choosing a specific lover. It’s a combination of hundreds of studies, clinical experiences and observations that helps us discover what makes us fall in love with people. It’s a wonderful and insightful book that offers an interesting perspective on love.
Falling in Love: Why We Choose the Lovers We Choose by Ayala Malach Pines is an insightful book that examines the psychology of love and why we choose the partners we do. Drawing upon hundreds of studies, clinical experiences, and observations, Pines provides a comprehensive look at the factors that influence our romantic decisions. From the role of evolutionary biology to the influence of family dynamics, the book examines the many aspects of love and its impact on our lives.
The book also delves into the psychological aspects of love, such as the impact of self-esteem and attachment styles. It examines the role of hormones and how they affect our behavior and emotions. It also looks at the influence of culture and society on our love lives. With a combination of scientific research and personal anecdotes, Pines provides an in-depth look at the complexities of love.
Falling in Love: Why We Choose the Lovers We Choose is a great resource for anyone interested in understanding the psychology of love. It’s an informative and thought-provoking read that will help readers gain insight into themselves and their relationships. This book is an excellent addition to the literature on the psychology of love and is sure to be a hit with readers.
On iTunes at: itunes.apple.com
This wonderful book draws on the latest scientific research to demonstrate how relationships function, how psychotherapy really works, how parents shape their child’s developing self and it actually offers us a new perspective on human intimacy. It’s a good read that will help you understand this wonderful feeling a bit better.
The insights within A General Theory of Love extend beyond mere romance, delving into the neurological underpinnings of our closest bonds. The authors, all psychiatrists, color the pages with poetic prose while unpacking the complex biochemistry of love and attachment. The blend of science and humanity illustrates not only why we crave connection but also the profound ways our relationships mold our emotions and behavior. For anyone seeking to foster deeper connections or understand the emotional dance that is human connection, this book is as enlightening as it is moving.
On iTunes at: itunes.apple.com
This book was first published in 1988 and it has helped millions of couples attain more loving and satisfying relationships. The author, Harville Hendrix, is a couples counselor who created Imago Relationship Therapy, which is based on a variety of disciplines such as Gestalt therapy, depth therapy and cognitive therapy.
Getting the Love You Want delves into the concept that past experiences, especially those from childhood, heavily influence how one behaves in romantic relationships. Hendrix's groundbreaking techniques enable couples to explore their hidden desires and unmet needs, forging stronger bonds. Imago Relationship Therapy specifically allows partners to understand each other on a deeper psychological level, encouraging empathy and healing. This book is a treasure trove for those looking to transform a faltering partnership into a thriving, passionate union. Its time-tested advice and practical exercises continue to make it an indispensable resource for couples worldwide.
On iTunes at: itunes.apple.com
A lot of people could say that Dr. John Gottman has revolutionized the study of marriage because he has studied the habits of married couples in unprecedented detail over the course of many years. This book is actually the culmination of his life’s work and it contains 7 principles that can guide people on the path toward a harmonious and healthy relationship.
The insights and methods Gottman presents are based on his observations of thousands of couples and aim to enhance mutual respect, affection, and closeness. His approach includes managing conflict, fostering support for each other's hopes for the future, and developing a deeper understanding of one another. The seven principles, when applied, not only improve the quality of marriages but also offer enduring solutions grounded in psychological research. Readers will appreciate the practical strategies and the clarity with which Gottman translates complex ideas into actionable steps for lasting love.
On iTunes at: itunes.apple.com
In this book, Dr. Sue Johnson presents Emotionally Focused Therapy to the general public for the first time and this technique was described by the New York Times and Time magazine as the couples therapy with the highest rate of success. This book is easy to read and it’s understandable both for professionals and also for people who are interested in improving their relationship.
There are a lot of studies and books that have tried to explain the wonderful feeling called love. I just mentioned a few in this little article, but I’m sure that there are many more I could add to this list. Do you know any other great books on the psychology of love? Please tell us more about them in the comments section!
Sources:
brainpickings.org
psychcentral.com