Changes

Some Western authorities disaggregate into two main components, the altruistic and the narcissistic. This view is represented in the works of Scott Peck, whose work in the field of applied [[psychology]] explored the definitions of love and [[evil]]. Peck maintains that love is a combination of the "concern for the [[spiritual]] growth of another," and simple narcissism.(The Road Less Traveled, ISBN 0-671-25067-1) In combination, love is an ''activity'', not simply a feeling.

Some Western authorities disaggregate into two main components, the altruistic and the narcissistic. This view is represented in the works of Scott Peck, whose work in the field of applied [[psychology]] explored the definitions of love and [[evil]]. Peck maintains that love is a combination of the "concern for the [[spiritual]] growth of another," and simple narcissism.(The Road Less Traveled, ISBN 0-671-25067-1) In combination, love is an ''activity'', not simply a feeling.

===Comparison of scientific models===

===Comparison of scientific models===

Biological models of love tend to see it as a mammalian drive, similar to [[hunger]] or [[thirst]]; psychology sees love as more of a social and cultural [[phenomenon]]. There are probably elements of [[truth]] in both views. Certainly love is influenced by [[hormone]]s (such as [[oxytocin]]), [[neurotrophins]] (such as [[Nerve Growth Factor|NGF]]), and [[pheromone]]s, and how people think and behave in love is influenced by their [[concepti]]ons of love. The conventional view in [[biology]] is that there are two major drives in love: [[sexual attraction]] and attachment. Attachment between adults is presumed to work on the same principles that lead an infant to become attached to its mother. The traditional psychological view sees love as being a combination of companionate love and passionate love. Passionate love is intense longing, and is often accompanied by physiological arousal (shortness of breath, rapid heart rate); companionate love is [[affection]] and a feeling of [[intimacy]] not accompanied by physiological arousal.

Biological models of love tend to see it as a mammalian drive, similar to [[hunger]] or [[thirst]]; psychology sees love as more of a social and cultural [[phenomenon]]. There are probably elements of [[truth]] in both views. Certainly love is influenced by [[hormone]]s (such as [[oxytocin]]), [[neurotrophins]] (such as [[Nerve Growth Factor|NGF]]), and [[pheromone]]s, and how people think and behave in love is influenced by their [[concept]]ions of love. The conventional view in [[biology]] is that there are two major drives in love: [[sexual attraction]] and attachment. Attachment between adults is presumed to work on the same principles that lead an infant to become attached to its mother. The traditional psychological view sees love as being a combination of companionate love and passionate love. Passionate love is intense longing, and is often accompanied by physiological arousal (shortness of breath, rapid heart rate); companionate love is [[affection]] and a feeling of [[intimacy]] not accompanied by physiological arousal.

Studies have shown that brain scans of those infatuated by love display a resemblance to those with a mental illness. Love creates activity in the same area of the brain that hunger, thirst, and drug cravings create activity in. New love, therefore, could possibly be more physical than emotional. Over time, this reaction to love mellows, and different areas of the brain are activated, primarily ones involving long-term commitments. Dr. Andrew Newberg, a neuroscientist, suggests that this reaction to love is so similar to that of drugs because without love, [[humanity]] would die out.

Studies have shown that brain scans of those infatuated by love display a resemblance to those with a mental illness. Love creates activity in the same area of the brain that hunger, thirst, and drug cravings create activity in. New love, therefore, could possibly be more physical than emotional. Over time, this reaction to love mellows, and different areas of the brain are activated, primarily ones involving long-term commitments. Dr. Andrew Newberg, a neuroscientist, suggests that this reaction to love is so similar to that of drugs because without love, [[humanity]] would die out.