Breaking Up Is a Pain, Literally
New Study Sheds Light On Breakups
Did you get dumped around the holidays? I know how painful that can be, but I always chalked it up to my ultra-sensitive nature. A new study shows that breakup pain might be more real than we thought. Hmmm... that might explain a few things.
The surprising new study conducted by researchers at UCLA showed that distress from social rejection (which includes breakups) comes from the same part of the brain as the part that deals with a sprain or a broken bone.
122 students were involved in the study, which also set out to determine if the degree to which you can be hurt depends on your genetics: it does. So does that mean my "thin skin" is thanks to mom?
The students were asked about their reactions to being excluded, and then genetic marker similarities were found in the people most easily hurt. So not only can you feel physical pain when you get dumped, but you might be one of those people who gets extra hurt-- although researchers are quick to point out that "upbringing, environment, and past experiences also influence how we respond."
Controversially, the next step will be to explore pharmaceutical options for those who have suffered from social rejection. They are currently looking for "ones that aren't addictive."
Would you pop a pill to stave off breakup pain? Check out reader responses at The Frisky.
