Love—and in particular, romantic and partner intimacy—constitutes a multifaceted psycho-biological process that integrates neural reward mechanisms, hormonal and neuroendocrine regulation (oxytocin, vasopressin, dopamine, serotonin, cortisol, among others), as well as changes in immune activity and behavior. Accumulating experimental and clinical evidence suggests that love may act as a form of “eustress” during the early stages of relationships, characterized by arousal and uncertainty, but in stable and long-term partnerships, it is associated with enduring beneficial effects on stress reactivity, immune competence, and overall health outcomes. The present review summarizes and analyzes findings from neuroimaging studies, endocrine and immunological research, as well as clinical observations, and further provides methodological guidelines and interdisciplinary perspectives for future investigations into the interaction between intimate relationships and medical science.
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