Huberman Lab avatar

Dexa/Huberman Lab

Learn more
Published Mar 29, 2021

The Science of Emotions & Relationships | Huberman Lab Podcast #13

Explore the intricate science of emotions and relationships as Andrew Huberman dives into the development of emotional patterns from infancy, the role of hormones during adolescence, and the crucial impact of oxytocin and vasopressin in social bonding, offering insights and tools for better emotional regulation and understanding.
Episode Highlights
Huberman Lab logo

Topics covered

Popular Clips

Questions from this episode

Episode Highlights

  • Oxytocin's Role

    Oxytocin plays a crucial role in social bonding and emotional synchronization. explains that oxytocin is released in various situations, such as lactation, sexual interactions, and non-sexual touch, enhancing the synchrony of internal states and increasing awareness of others' emotions 1. This hormone is vital for forming strong social bonds by aligning emotional states between individuals.

    In order to form good bonds, we can't just be thinking about how we feel. We also need to be paying attention to how others feel.

    --- Andrew Huberman

    Huberman also mentions that vitamin D and melatonin might boost oxytocin levels, though he advises caution with supplements and emphasizes the importance of natural oxytocin production 2.

       

    Bonding Hormone

    Oxytocin, often dubbed the "bonding hormone," significantly influences interpersonal relationships. discusses studies where intranasal oxytocin increased positive communication and reduced stress during couple conflicts, highlighting its role in promoting trust and monogamy 3. This hormone enhances the understanding of others' internal states, fostering deeper connections.

    Oxytocin administration seemed to promote monogamous behavior.

    --- Andrew Huberman

    Huberman notes that while oxytocin can strengthen social bonds, its effects can vary depending on the context and individual differences.

       

    Vasopressin Effects

    Vasopressin, another key hormone, impacts social bonds and emotional states. explains that vasopressin, known for its role in water retention, also influences feelings of love and memory enhancement 4. It plays a part in determining monogamous or non-monogamous behavior, as seen in studies with prairie voles.

    Vasopressin has effects on the brain directly. It actually creates feelings of giddy love.

    --- Andrew Huberman

    Huberman highlights that vasopressin's effects on social behavior are complex and can vary widely among individuals.

       

    Brain Lateralization

    Brain lateralization plays a significant role in emotional processing and functionality. clarifies that while the left brain is typically associated with language and logical tasks, the right brain is more involved in spatial and emotional processing 5. However, the idea of being a "left-brain" or "right-brain" person is a myth.

    Let's just try and demolish the myth that the right side is synthetic and holistic and emotive, and that the left side is logical, sequential and analytic.

    --- Andrew Huberman

    Huberman emphasizes that both hemispheres contribute to a wide range of functions, debunking common misconceptions about brain lateralization 6.

Related Episodes