CC18 Keynote 02 – Addicted to Love – Helen Fisher, PhD

Description:

Biological anthropologist Helen Fisher discusses three brain systems that evolved for mating and reproduction: the sex drive; feelings of intense romantic love; and feelings of deep attachment to a long term partner. She then focuses on her brain scanning research (using fMRI) on romantic rejection and the trajectory of love addiction following rejection. She concludes with discussion of the brain circuits associated with long-term partnership happiness and the future of relationships in the digital age—what she calls “slow love.”

Educational Objectives:

1. Demonstrate understanding of the neural circuitry of three primary brain systems that evolved for mating and reproduction: the sex drive, romantic love and attachment.
2. Demonstrate understanding of the brain function and behaviors associated with addiction to a romantic partner.
3. List the brain functions associated with long term happiness in love.
4. Discuss the impact of the digital age on human courtship behaviors.

*Sessions may be edited for content and to preserve confidentiality*