The Jordan Harbinger Show 790: Florence Williams | The Science of Heartbreak
6 snips
Feb 7, 2023 Florence Williams, a journalist and author known for her exploration of nature and human experience, delves into the profound effects of heartbreak. She explains that emotional pain activates similar brain responses as physical pain and can lead to serious health risks, including chronic illnesses. Williams discusses gender differences in experiencing heartbreak and the emotional repercussions of loneliness, suggesting that engaging with nature can aid in healing. Tune in for insights on the surprising science behind the heart's most challenging moments!
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Marriage and Health
- Being in a good marriage has health benefits, including increased lifespan, due to co-regulation of emotions and mutual support.
- Upon separation, this co-regulation is lost, leading to a threat state, hypervigilance, and increased cortisol levels.
Social Pain as Physical Pain
- The brain processes social pain similarly to physical pain, indicating its importance for survival.
- This response is evolutionarily conserved, highlighting the crucial role of social connection in human history.
Loneliness and Inflammation
- Loneliness or loss of social support triggers a threat response, increasing inflammation as the body prepares for potential injury.
- This heightened inflammation, while adaptive in the wild, can lead to chronic diseases in modern society if prolonged.
