Neuroscientist Prof. Lucy Brown discusses why heartbreak feels physically painful, its impact on the brain and body, and strategies to overcome it. The podcast explores the science of healing post-breakup and coping mechanisms, highlighting the importance of time and personal growth.
Read more
AI Summary
Highlights
AI Chapters
Episode notes
auto_awesome
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
Heartbreak activates brain regions associated with physical pain, linking emotional and physical distress.
Heartbreak leads to hormone level fluctuations and physical symptoms like chest tightness, impacting overall health.
Deep dives
Science of Heartbreak: Brain Imaging Study
Researchers conducted a study on heartbroken individuals using MRI scans to observe brain activity. They found that the part of the brain associated with physical pain was active during heartbreak, indicating a connection between emotional and physical pain. Moreover, the reward system in the brain, associated with pleasure, was activated when participants looked at their exes, showcasing the conflicting emotions experienced during heartbreak.
Physical Effects of Heartbreak
After a breakup, hormone levels like cortisol increase, leading to potential sleep disturbances and immune system impacts. Additionally, heartbreak can manifest in physical symptoms such as chest tightness and heart issues, like takotsubo syndrome. These physical reactions highlight the significant toll heartbreak can take on the body.
Coping Strategies and Recovery
To cope with heartbreak, strategies like negative reappraisal, reframing the breakup, and time have shown effectiveness. Negative reappraisal involves reminding oneself of negative aspects of the ex-partner, while reframing focuses on personal growth and moving forward. Time, supplemented by activities like dancing or journaling emotions, can aid in the healing process after a breakup.
Getting your heart broken sucks — and for some of us, it even feels physically painful. So why does it hurt so bad? And what can science tell us about how to get over it? We dive into all of this with neuroscientist Prof. Lucy Brown.
This episode was produced by Michelle Dang, with help from Wendy Zukerman, Rose Rimler, Meryl Horn, Kaitlyn Sawrey and Lexi Krupp. Editing by Caitlin Kenney and Blythe Terrell. Fact checking by Diane Kelly and Erica Akiko Howard. Mix and sound design by Peter Leonard and Bobby Lord. Music written by Peter Leonard, Bumi Hidaka, Emma Munger, and Bobby Lord. A huge thanks to all the scientists we got in touch with for this episode, including Professor Larry Young, Professor Tiffany Field, Professor Ethan Kross, Professor Sandra Langeslag, and Professor Naomi Eisenberger. Thanks to Lori Segal. A special thanks to the Zukerman family and Joseph Lavelle Wilson.
Science Vs is a Spotify Studios Original. Listen for free on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us and tap the bell for episode notifications.