The purpose of this research is the studying the neurobiology of being in love and related aspects, such as age, duration of the relation, differences in sex, jealousy and the ending of a relationship.
ID
Source
Brief title
Condition
- Other condition
Synonym
Health condition
geen
Research involving
Sponsors and support
Intervention
Outcome measures
Primary outcome
The differences/similarities in brain activity in men and women being in love,
the effect of age and the influence of the duration of the relationship will be
related, also cultural influences will be included.
The pattern of brain activity after voluntary or forced ending of a
relationship will be related to the pattern of brain activity of depressive
patients.
Secondary outcome
n.a.
Background summary
Very little neurobiological research is performed being in love/lovesickness.
The few available fMRI-studies concerned especially young people.
One study investigated with women if a relation after 20 yerars still generates
identical patterens as with youn people being in love. It is unclear if the
brain of men shows the same patterns of activity after a relation of 20 years.
Moreover not studied at all are the effects of cultural differences, age,
jealousy and sexe on brain activity during being in love. There is also
information lacking about the effect of ending a relationship and till what
degree this pattern of brainactivity shows similarities with depression.
Study objective
The purpose of this research is the studying the neurobiology of being in love
and related aspects, such as age, duration of the relation, differences in sex,
jealousy and the ending of a relationship.
Study design
The study consists of a pilot followed by projects. Each project consist of two
parts on different days: a preparation part outside the MRI scanner, the second
paart inside the scanner.
The preparation consists of an intake interview, filling in two questionnaires
about being in love, the duration of the relationship and a questionnaire about
present mood. Duration is maximum of 60 minutes.
During the second part, consisting the fMRI study, pictures of (un)familiair
people and of the loved one will alternated be shown: a neutral condition with
which a blanc background will be presented with a fixation crosse. Total
duration of one project for one subject will be 150 minutes.
Study burden and risks
There are no risks connected to this research.
Subjects will be exposed to a magnetic field of 3 Tesla and rapid alternating
magnetic gradients and radiofrequencyfields. These field intensities are being
used on routine baiss in fMRI and MRI research. Up till now no side effects
have been prescribed. In rare accasions a perifere nerv (abdomen) is stimulated
by the changing magenetic gradients. This causes an itchy feeling, but is not
harmful.
Ant. Deusinglaan 2
9713 AW Groningen
NL
Ant. Deusinglaan 2
9713 AW Groningen
NL
Listed location countries
Age
Inclusion criteria
The inclusion criteria for the pilot are according the definitions of project 1, beschreven in deelproject 1, age group:18-25 y.o.a.;Project 1.
1. Healthy heterosexual men and women
2. Between 18 - 25 y.o.a (group A)
3. Between 40 - 48 y.o.a (group B)
4. Duration of relationship 1 - 3 months
5. Passionate Love Scale (PLS) score >> 6;Project 2.
1. Healthy heterosexual women
2. Between 18 - 25 y.o.a.
4. Finished relationship << 1 month
5. Passionate Love Scale (PLS) score << 6 ;Project 3.
1. Healthy heterosexual men and women
2. Between 18 - 25 y.o.a.
3. 2nd and/or 3rd generation Chinese, Turkish or Maroccan Dutchman/Dutchwomen
4. Passionate Love Scale (PLS) score >> 6
Exclusion criteria
1. MR incompatible implants in the body
2. Neurological or psychiatrical complaints in present or past
3. Use of medication which may influence task performance
4. Claustrophobia
5. The wish not te be informed in case of discovered brain abonormalities
6. (Suspected) pregnancy
7. Red tattoos
Extra Exclusiecriterium voor deelproject 2:
- Deelname aan deelproject 1, groep A.
Extra Exclusiecriterium voor deelproject in groep B:
- Vrouwelijke deelnemers in menopauze
Design
Recruitment
Followed up by the following (possibly more current) registration
No registrations found.
Other (possibly less up-to-date) registrations in this register
No registrations found.
In other registers
| Register | ID |
|---|---|
| CCMO | NL34689.042.10 |