Psychology of Romance Dr. Carlos and Retired FBI Profiler Andy Bringuel

Explore the misattribution of arousal effect, a foundational concept in social psychology demonstrating how physiological arousal from fear, stress, or excitement is frequently mislabeled as romantic or sexual attraction.
This episode examines the landmark 1974 Dutton and Aron “shaky bridge” experiment, supporting research, underlying mechanisms involving adrenaline and the sympathetic nervous system, and real-world implications for relationships formed in high-stakes environments.
Essential listening for psychologists, relationship counselors, students of social psychology, and anyone seeking to understand the subtle ways our bodies influence emotional judgments and interpersonal decisions.

In this episode of the Psychology of Romance, we examine evidence-based findings from the U.S. General Social Survey revealing significant variance in reported romantic partnerships. We explore the psychology of romance, romantic attachment styles, emotional intimacy in relationships, and evidence-based relationship advice for breaking unhealthy patterns and building secure attachments in today’s dating landscape.

A groundbreaking 2026 study reveals that desire, intimacy, and sexual connection remain central priorities for adults over 60 navigating modern dating. This episode breaks down the psychology of attraction, attachment, and intentional relationships in later life, challenging outdated myths about aging and romance. If you want to understand human connection, longevity, and what people really want in relationships—this conversation exposes it.