Triangular Theory of Love | Part 4 | Understanding the Self

Summary

In this lesson, we explore Robert Sternberg's Triangular Theory of Love, which breaks love down into three key components: passion, intimacy, and commitment. Sternberg identifies eight types of love based on the presence or absence of these components, ranging from 'non-love' to 'consummate love,' the ideal form of love. The theory emphasizes how passion develops quickly but fades easily, while intimacy and commitment grow more slowly but are crucial for maintaining lasting relationships. The lecture highlights the complexities of love and relationships, offering valuable insights for students seeking to understand the dynamics of romantic bonds.

Takeaways

• 😀 The triangular theory of love by Robert Sternberg identifies three key components of love: intimacy, passion, and commitment.
• 😀 Passion refers to physical attraction, romance, and sexual consummation, while intimacy involves feelings of closeness and emotional connection.
• 😀 Commitment is a conscious decision to love someone and stay in a relationship, even during difficult times.
• 😀 Sternberg's theory suggests that different types of love emerge based on the presence or absence of intimacy, passion, and commitment.
• 😀 Infatuation is love based solely on passion, often occurring as 'love at first sight' or a short-term crush.
• 😀 Empty love occurs when commitment is present but intimacy and passion are absent, often seen in unhappy marriages.
• 😀 Romantic love includes both passion and intimacy, but lacks commitment, making it a common stepping stone towards long-term relationships or marriage.
• 😀 Companionate love involves intimacy and commitment without strong passion, and is commonly seen in long-term marriages or close friendships.
• 😀 Fatuous love is characterized by passion and commitment without a foundation of intimacy, leading to rushed or shallow relationships.
• 😀 Consummate love, which represents the ideal love, contains all three components: intimacy, passion, and commitment, but maintaining it is more challenging than achieving it.

Q & A

What are the three core components of Sternberg's Triangular Theory of Love?

The three core components are intimacy, passion, and commitment. These elements combine in different ways to form various types of love.

How does Sternberg define 'intimacy' in the context of love?

'Intimacy' refers to feelings of closeness, connectedness, and comfort in a relationship, where individuals share personal stories and experiences.

What does 'passion' refer to in Sternberg's theory?

'Passion' refers to the physical attraction, sexual desire, and romantic excitement that drive feelings of infatuation or romantic love.

What is meant by 'commitment' in Sternberg's Triangular Theory of Love?

'Commitment' is the conscious decision to love someone and maintain that love over time. It involves the dedication to keeping a relationship strong.

How many types of love does Sternberg identify, and how are they categorized?

Sternberg identifies eight types of love, categorized based on the presence or absence of the three components: intimacy, passion, and commitment. These include none love, liking/friendship, infatuation, empty love, romantic love, companionate love, fatuous love, and consummate love.

What type of love is characterized by the absence of all three components (intimacy, passion, and commitment)?

This type of love is called 'None Love,' which refers to casual interactions or relationships with acquaintances where none of the three components are present.

What is the difference between 'romantic love' and 'companionate love'?

'Romantic love' involves both passion and intimacy, typically seen in relationships with physical and emotional attraction but lacking commitment. 'Companionate love,' on the other hand, involves intimacy and commitment but lacks the passion seen in romantic relationships.

What is the main feature of 'infatuation' according to Sternberg?

Infatuation is defined by the presence of passion without intimacy or commitment. It typically refers to a brief, intense attraction, such as a crush or a short-lived affair.

How does Sternberg describe 'empty love'?

'Empty love' is characterized by the presence of commitment without passion or intimacy. It can be seen in relationships where individuals remain together due to obligation, such as in unhappy marriages.

Why does Sternberg believe 'consummate love' is the ideal form of love?

'Consummate love' is considered the ideal form because it includes all three components—intimacy, passion, and commitment. Sternberg suggests that couples who maintain this type of love experience deep emotional and physical connection and are committed to staying together long-term.