Posted on 03/18/2008 2:33:46 PM PDT by blam
Love makes us blind to the charms of others
By Nic Fleming, Science Correspondent
Last Updated: 6:01pm GMT 18/03/2008
Love really is blind, but not in the accepted meaning of the old adage, scientists say.
Psychologists who studied volunteers in stable relationships believe romantic love is a biological "commitment device" to lessen our awareness of the charms of others.
Many non-human species are also monogamous The study, highlighted in this week's New Scientist magazine, provides support for the theory that strong emotions that encourage committed relationships have evolved to ensure offspring are well cared for.
Monogamy has been observed in a number of non-human species, such as puffins, penguins and many sea birds. It is especially common in circumstances where the desertion of one partner could lead to young failing to survive.
Dr Gian Gonzaga, who led the study while at the University of California, Los Angeles, said the research helped to explain why attached people pass up opportunities for illicit liaisons, even though humans usually value immediate gains over long-term ones.
A group of 60 students in a relationship averaging three years in length were shown photos of a stranger they found attractive.
They were asked to write an essay on what was attractive about the person, and to describe an ideal first meeting with them.
The participants were then split into three groups, with one told to write about the time they had felt the most love for their current partner, and a recent time they felt strong love for them.
The second group had to write about the occasion they felt most sexual desire for their partner, and a recent time they felt strongly sexually attracted to them. The third group was asked to write about whatever came into their minds.
All of those taking part were told not to think about the attractive stranger while they wrote the first essay, but were allowed to do so while writing the second.
The aim was to create what Dr Gonzaga called a "rebound effect", whereby thoughts of the attractive person returned once the study participant stopped trying to suppress them.
The students ticked a box each time they thought about the person in the photo.
When allowed to think about the attractive person, those asked to write about their love for their partner ticked the boxes only one-third as often as those who focused on desire, and one-sixth as often as the control group.
When asked later what had attracted made them to the person in the photo, those in the love group remembered significantly fewer details than both the other groups.
Psychologist Prof Richard Wiseman, of the University of Hertfordshire, said: "This research suggests our feelings of love may have evolved to keep people in relationships rather than looking elsewhere.
"The results could explain why some couples adorn their house with photos of a great holiday or when they first met.
"These would act as a constant reminder of the good times that they have had together and, according to this study, discourage them from finding other people attractive".
Julie Fitness, a social psychologist at Macquarie University in Sydney, said the findings showed: "love is very functional - a commitment device".
She added: "It motivates you to form strong attachments, which will ultimately be good for raising vulnerable young."
Apparently Mr. Spitzer didn’t get the memo.
God is love :). My husband and I both believe in God and His power. No study needed.
How did you miss this one?
Well, in the case of the new governor, it’s only legally blind.
Especially, if you are a randy male, with a snoot full of adult beverages and it's 1:45 a.m. and closing time is only 15 minutes away. LOL
THEY ALL LOOK GREAT, or so I've heard.
Of course, I would not know from personal experience, however, I've heard stories about something relating to chewing ones arm off in the morning and the term "Coyote Ugly," what ever that means? lol
You find the coolest stuff, blam! Thanks!
I’ve told hubby many times—you can look all you want....
That better be all you do!
Course, I don’t mind looking either!:)
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