Science
Grief Study Links Oxytocin Receptors in Nucleus Accumbens to Intensity of Yearning
Huberman Lab
Essentials: The Science & Process of Healing from Grief
What was said
"The people that experience intense grief and a deep yearning and a motivation to reconnect with the person, animal, or thing that is lost in many cases have heightened levels of oxytocin specifically, or I should say oxytocin receptors to be exact, specifically within the brain regions associated with craving and pursuit."
Huberman cited comparative research between monogamous and non-monogamous prairie voles and human brain imaging studies showing that oxytocin receptor density in the nucleus accumbens predicts the intensity of grief and yearning. This neurochemical variance explains why some people experience prolonged grief while others move through it more quickly, independent of the depth of attachment.
Verification status
Attributed speaker claim
Egleze verified who said this and where. The underlying claim has not been independently established by Egleze.
Source and context
Egleze verified who said this and where. The underlying claim has not been independently established by Egleze.
- Programme
- Huberman Lab
- Episode
- Essentials: The Science & Process of Healing from Grief
- Clip time
- 19:31
- Original source
- Watch the source segment →
From this episode
Huberman Lab