Sternberg’s Triangular Theory of Love

Love is a powerful emotion that can be difficult to define or explain. Robert Sternberg’s Triangular Theory of Love is an attempt to do just that, by breaking down the concept of love into three distinct components. This theory has been widely accepted and used in psychology research and has helped to shape our understanding of love and relationships. In this article, we will explore Sternberg’s Triangular Theory of Love, its components, and its implications.

What is Sternberg’s Triangular Theory of Love?

Sternberg’s Triangular Theory of Love is a psychological theory that attempts to explain the different components of love. It was first proposed by Robert Sternberg in 1986, and has since been widely accepted and used in psychology research. According to the theory, love consists of three components: intimacy, passion, and commitment. Each of these components can be present in any combination, resulting in different types of love.

Intimacy

Intimacy is the emotional connection between two people. It involves feelings of closeness, trust, and understanding. Intimacy is essential for any relationship to survive, as it allows two people to share their feelings and experiences with each other.

Passion

Passion is the physical and sexual attraction between two people. It involves feelings of desire, excitement, and arousal. Passion is often seen as a driving force in relationships, as it can help to keep the connection between two people strong.

Commitment

Commitment is the decision to stay together in a relationship. It involves feelings of loyalty, dedication, and responsibility. Commitment is essential for any relationship to last, as it allows two people to make a conscious decision to stay together despite any difficulties they may face.

Types of Love

Sternberg’s Triangular Theory of Love suggests that there are seven different types of love, depending on the combination of the three components. These types are:

Nonlove

Nonlove is the absence of any of the three components. It involves no feelings of intimacy, passion, or commitment. Nonlove is often seen as the absence of love, and is not necessarily a negative thing.

Liking

Liking involves only the intimacy component. It involves feelings of closeness and understanding, but no passion or commitment. Liking is often seen as the first step in a relationship, as it allows two people to get to know each other.

Infatuation

Infatuation involves only the passion component. It involves feelings of desire and excitement, but no intimacy or commitment. Infatuation is often seen as a short-term emotion, as it can quickly fade away.

Empty Love

Empty love involves only the commitment component. It involves feelings of loyalty and dedication, but no intimacy or passion. Empty love is often seen as a long-term emotion, as it can last even when the other two components are absent.

Romantic Love

Romantic love involves both the intimacy and passion components. It involves feelings of closeness, trust, desire, and excitement. Romantic love is often seen as the ideal type of love, as it involves both emotional and physical connection.

Companionate Love

Companionate love involves both the intimacy and commitment components. It involves feelings of closeness, understanding, loyalty, and dedication. Companionate love is often seen as the ideal type of love for long-term relationships, as it involves both emotional and practical connection.

Consummate Love

Consummate love involves all three components. It involves feelings of closeness, trust, desire, excitement, loyalty, and dedication. Consummate love is often seen as the ideal type of love, as it involves all three components.

Implications of Sternberg’s Theory

Sternberg’s Triangular Theory of Love has had a significant impact on our understanding of love and relationships. It has helped to explain why certain relationships last while others don’t, and has provided a framework for understanding the different types of love. Additionally, it has helped to shape our understanding of what makes a healthy and successful relationship.

FAQs

What is the difference between intimacy and passion?

Intimacy is the emotional connection between two people, while passion is the physical and sexual attraction between two people.

What is the difference between liking and infatuation?

Liking involves only the intimacy component, while infatuation involves only the passion component.

What is the difference between romantic love and consummate love?

Romantic love involves both the intimacy and passion components, while consummate love involves all three components.