PDF Version Empathy and compassion appear to evolve as an early version of love in the evolutionary history of animals. However, these human abilities have surprising evolutionary roots in animal psychology. These capabilities evolved as a biological toolkit for survival … Continue reading
The Paradox of Choice While Scrolling and Swiping Through Dating Apps
PDF Version. In an age of endless social media scrolling, does the ‘next best thing’ replace the ‘great thing’ as an adversary? Researchers explore how the cognitive overload of choices in modern dating apps can be challenging for men and … Continue reading
Love, Virtually: Is Online Dating as Good as Dating Face-to-Face?
PDF Version. What is better for romantic relationship quality, forming relationships on dating apps or in person? Research shows mixed results, indicating that neither online dating nor meeting face-to-face is conclusively “better” than the other. While some studies identify no … Continue reading
Why Does Experiencing Adversity Make You Fall in Love with Someone?
PDF Version. Novels, movies, and real-life experiences remind us of numerous instances of how men and women fall in love with each other in the time of adversity and the challenges they encounter. Experiencing adversity can make people fall in … Continue reading
The Animals That Are Capable of Love
PDF version Are humans the only social animals capable of loving others? Are other animals incapable of love? Or are there any other animals who have the capacity for love? Studies of the biological evolution of love bring many questions … Continue reading
Altruistic Behavior Is a Good Way to Begin a Relationship
PDF Version. Altruistic behavior can be an excellent way to initiate a romantic relationship with a person you are interested in. Such expressions of altruism, altruistic gestures, and actions communicate several traits that men and women wish to see in … Continue reading
Why Bad Guys in Movies Captivate Women’s Romantic Interests
PDF Version. Popular cultures of the classic and modern literatures have always been fascinated with the characters that one could call “bad guys.” These characters captivated the attention and even attraction of women and men. In women, such “bad guys” … Continue reading
Does Intelligence Matter in Love Relationships?
PDF Version. Do smart people better manage their romantic relationships? Researchers showed that general intelligence and specific cognitive abilities lead to better skills in navigating romantic relationships as well as mitigating undesirable relationship problems, such as infidelity and partner-directed violence. … Continue reading
A Tribute to Ellen Berscheid, a Prominent Researcher in the Social Psychology of Love and Relationship
PDF Version. With profound sadness, the Institute of Love Studies shares news that Ellen Berscheid, an American social psychologist and one of the pioneering figures in the studies of love and interpersonal relationships, passed away on May 22, 2025. Ellen … Continue reading
How Prevalent Are Polygamous Relationships in the Modern World?
PDF Version. What is polygamy, and how prevalent are these marital practices around the world? Let’s consider the facts about polygamous relationships in various societies and cultures. How common are polygamous relationships around the world? What Is Polygamy and What … Continue reading