Behind romantic love: A look at evolution's hidden role
Scientists have decided to explore the origins of romantic love and why it played a significant role in human evolution. We now have insights from a survey conducted in 90 countries.
Psychologists conducted research that sheds new light on the evolutionary roots of romantic love. The survey results in 90 countries suggest that love was crucial for ensuring lasting relationships and increasing reproductive success.
We have found evidence to support the hypotheses regarding the evolutionary roots of romantic love. Our research highlights one of the benefits love offers, which is the durability and stability of a relationship, explains psychologist Dr. Marta Kowal from the University of Wrocław.
The theory of economist Robert Frank, further developed by evolutionary psychologists, suggests that love evolved to enhance partners' sense of security and improve their reproductive success.
Frank compared love—the foundation of a romantic relationship—to a rental agreement between a tenant and a landlord. He pointed out that love assures the two people that they will remain together and will not leave at the first opportunity.
Research in 90 countries: What was established?
The study involved 86,000 people from 90 countries. Respondents were asked about their willingness to enter a relationship with an ideal person, but without love.
Assume that you are not currently in a stable relationship. Imagine you are dating someone who possesses all the qualities of your ideal partner, but you are not in love with them. How likely is it (on a scale from 0 to 100) that you would marry this person or register your relationship? respondents were asked.
The majority of respondents were not interested in such relationships. The research, published in the scientific journal Human Nature, showed that men, wealthier individuals, and people without children were more interested in pursuing a relationship without love—groups that, for various reasons, may find it easier to live without a partner.
Furthermore, in countries such as Ghana, Morocco, Iran, and Uganda, the majority of those surveyed were open to relationships without love. Dr. Kowal speculates that this may stem from collectivism and the tradition of arranged marriages, where marriage decisions are influenced by the well-being of the group.
"People happily in love are healthier"
According to Dr. Kowal, romantic love originates from the bond between a child and its mother. Mechanisms like tenderness and attachment transitioned into adult relationships, offering evolutionary benefits. Strong bonds between partners enable better care of offspring, increasing the chances of passing genes to future generations.
These studies confirm that romantic love is a beautiful emotion and a critical element of human evolution, present in cultures worldwide.
For people worldwide, love is very important, likely because it is associated with lasting and happy relationships. Numerous studies show that people happily in love are healthier, more content with their daily lives, live longer, and take better care of themselves, reminds Dr. Kowal.
