NextPrevious

The Psychology of Everyday Life:Love, Marriage, and the Baby Carriage

Love

What evolutionary purpose does romantic love serve?

Researchers propose that romantic love evolved to promote paternal investment in the raising of dependent children. Children who benefited from the care of both parents were more likely to survive to adulthood and pass their genes onto the next generation. Therefore, the capacity to seek out and maintain a strong bond with a mate (i.e., romantic love) provided an evolutionary advantage. Even in today’s world, considerable research shows that paternal involvement brings powerful advantages for children, providing financial, cognitive, and emotional benefits. Moreover, studies show that children also benefit from a strong and harmonious relationship between their parents.