Sternberg's Theory of Love: Intimacy, Commitment, Passion

Summary

Robert Sternberg's Triangular Theory of Love, introduced in 1985, breaks down love into three key components: intimacy, passion, and commitment. It outlines six types of love based on these elements, ranging from nonlove to consummate love, which is the ideal form with all components present. The theory suggests that maintaining consummate love is challenging and not permanent. It invites viewers to consider additional factors affecting relationships and whether the forms of love are universal or subjective.

Takeaways

• 📚 Robert Sternberg introduced the 'Triangular Theory of Love' in 1985, aiming to explain the complexities of love through three core components.
• ❤️ The three components of love are intimacy, passion, and commitment, each representing a different aspect of interpersonal relationships.
• 🔍 Intimacy is the feeling of attachment and closeness, essential for emotional bonding in relationships.
• 🔥 Passion encompasses the intense emotions and desires associated with romantic and sexual attraction.
• 💍 Commitment involves the decision to stay together and make future plans, binding the other two components.
• 🚫 Nonlove is the absence of all three components, often seen in casual interactions and acquaintances.
• 👫 Friendship is characterized by the presence of intimacy alone, without passion or commitment.
• 💘 Infatuated Love occurs with passion but lacks intimacy and commitment, often seen in crushes and purely sexual relationships.
• 💔 Empty Love is marked by the presence of commitment but the absence of intimacy and passion, like in unhappy marriages.
• 💞 Romantic Love combines intimacy and passion but lacks commitment, making it easier to dissolve.
• 👪 Companionate Love is defined by intimacy and commitment without passion, common in long-term marriages and strong platonic relationships.
• 💫 Fatuous Love is a whirlwind of romance with commitment and passion but no intimacy, often short-lived.
• 💖 Consummate Love is the ideal form of love where all three components are present, representing the goal for many in relationships.
• 🌐 The theory suggests that the forms of love may not be universal and could be subject to cultural and individual differences.
• 🤔 Sternberg's theory prompts reflection on other factors that may influence relationships, beyond the three components outlined.

Q & A

What is the 'Triangular Theory of Love' presented by Robert Sternberg?

The 'Triangular Theory of Love' is a theory by Robert Sternberg that explains love through three components: intimacy, passion, and commitment. It is often represented as a triangle, with each side of the triangle representing one of these components.

What does intimacy represent in Sternberg's theory?

Intimacy in Sternberg's theory represents the feeling of attachment, closeness, and connectedness in a relationship.

How is passion defined in the context of Sternberg's Theory of Love?

Passion, according to Sternberg, is the fiery depth and intenseness experienced when you like someone, including the drive connected to romantic and sexual attraction.

What role does commitment play in Sternberg's model of love?

Commitment ties the other two components, intimacy and passion, together. It involves short-term and long-term decisions to remain with one another and plan for the future.

How many forms of love does Sternberg's Theory of Love identify?

Sternberg's Theory of Love identifies six forms of love, which are different combinations of the three components: intimacy, passion, and commitment.

What is meant by 'Nonlove' in Sternberg's theory?

'Nonlove' in Sternberg's theory is the absence of all three components of love: intimacy, passion, and commitment. It characterizes most casual interactions and relationships without deep emotional bonds.

Can you explain 'Friendship' as a form of love in Sternberg's theory?

'Friendship' in Sternberg's theory exists when only intimacy is present, without the intense passion or commitment of romance. It can be the root for other forms of love to develop from.

What is 'Infatuated Love' and what are its characteristics?

'Infatuated Love' occurs when there is passion but both intimacy and commitment are absent. It is often characterized by crushes and solely sexual relationships that lack deeper emotional connections.

What is 'Empty Love' and how does it differ from other forms?

'Empty Love' is characterized by the presence of commitment but the absence of intimacy and passion. It is often seen in unhappy marriages where the emotional and romantic aspects have faded.

How is 'Romantic Love' different from 'Infatuated Love'?

'Romantic Love' is a combination of intimacy and passion but lacks commitment. It involves both physical and emotional bonds but is easier to dissolve without legal issues.

What is 'Companionate Love' and how does it manifest in relationships?

'Companionate Love' is characterized by a combination of intimacy and commitment, with the absence of passion. It is observed in long-term marriages and strong platonic relationships where affection remains despite the lack of intense passion.

Can you describe 'Fatuous Love' and provide an example?

'Fatuous Love' is the combination of commitment and passion without intimacy. An example is the whirlwind romance and subsequent short-lived marriage of Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries.

What is 'Consummate Love' and why is it considered the ideal form of love?

'Consummate Love' is at the center of the triangle, representing the presence of all three components: intimacy, passion, and commitment. It is considered the ideal form of love as it combines all aspects of a fulfilling relationship.

What does Sternberg caution about maintaining 'Consummate Love'?

Sternberg cautions that maintaining 'Consummate Love' is harder than achieving it, and it is not a permanent form of love, implying that effort and work are required to sustain this ideal form of love.

Do you think the six forms of love are universal or subjective to each couple?

This is a subjective question and opinions may vary. Some may argue that the forms are universal, while others may believe that each couple's experience and definition of love can be unique.