Sternberg's Triangular Theory of Love

Overview

• Developed by psychologist Robert Sternberg in the late 1980s.
• Theory suggests that love consists of three main components: Intimacy, Passion, and Commitment.
• Varying degrees of these components contribute to different types of love.
• Empirical support for the theory's universality was found in a 2021 study.

Sternberg's Three Components of Love

1. Intimacy

   • Involves feelings of closeness, connectedness, and bondedness.

2. Passion

   • Encompasses feelings and desires that lead to physical attraction, romance, and sexual consummation.

3. Commitment

   • Entails feelings that lead a person to remain with someone and work towards shared goals.

• Non-love: The absence of all three components.
• Distinct from a "love triangle," which involves multiple people.

Sternberg's Seven Types of Love

1. Friendship (Liking)

   • Involves intimacy without passion or commitment.

2. Infatuation (Passion)

   • Characterized by lust and physical passion without intimacy and commitment.
   • Commonly associated with "love at first sight."

3. Empty Love (Commitment)

   • Involves commitment without passion or intimacy.
   • Can occur in arranged marriages or deteriorating relationships.

4. Romantic Love (Intimacy and Passion)

   • Bonds people through emotional intimacy and physical passion.
   • Commitment is not yet decided.

5. Companionate Love (Liking and Intimacy)

   • Stronger than friendship due to long-term commitment but lacks sexual desire.
   • Common in marriages where passion has faded.

6. Fatuous Love (Commitment and Passion)

   • Lacks intimacy or liking.
   • Involves impulsive commitment based on passion.

7. Consummate Love (Intimacy, Passion, and Commitment)

   • The ideal relationship involving all three components.
   • Couples experience strong intimacy, passion, and commitment.

• Love as a Verb: Consummate love requires action to maintain; without expression, it can revert to companionate love.

Importance of Sternberg's Theory

• Each component's importance varies among individuals and relationships.
• Understanding the components can highlight areas for improvement in a relationship.
• Recognizing changes in passion, intimacy, or commitment can guide efforts to strengthen relationships.

References

• Several scholarly sources support the theory, illustrating its relevance and adaptability across different cultures and contexts.

Conclusion

• Sternberg's theory provides a framework for understanding different types of love by examining the balance and interplay of intimacy, passion, and commitment.
• The theory is a valuable tool for analyzing personal relationships and identifying potential areas for growth and improvement.