Sternberg's Triangular Theory of Love and its types - The Simplest Explanation Ever

Summary

In this tutorial, the presenter explores Robert Sternberg's Triangular Theory of Love, which posits that love is composed of intimacy, passion, and decision/commitment. The script delves into the different types of love formed by the presence or absence of these components, ranging from non-love to consummate love. It also touches on how love stories from various media can influence our relationship choices, inviting viewers to share their experiences and thoughts on the topic.

Takeaways

• 💡 Love is complex and can be understood through Sternberg's Triangular Theory of Love.
• 🔍 The theory identifies three key components of love: intimacy, passion, and decision/commitment.
• 💞 Intimacy refers to the emotional closeness and bond between individuals in a relationship.
• 🔥 Passion is associated with physical attraction, romance, and sexual desire.
• 🤝 Decision/commitment involves the intention to maintain a relationship, with both short-term and long-term implications.
• 🤔 The components of love can exist independently, leading to different types of love experiences.
• 🏳️ Non-love is characterized by the absence of all three components, resulting in indifference.
• 👫 Liking or friendship exists when there is intimacy but lacks passion and commitment.
• 💘 Infatuation is a type of love with passion but without intimacy or commitment, often characterized by lust.
• 💍 Empty love is defined by commitment without passion or intimacy, possibly due to social or legal obligations.
• 🌹 Romantic love includes passion and intimacy but is not yet committed to a long-term plan.
• 👪 Companionate love is a deep friendship with commitment but lacks passion.
• 💎 Fatuus love is marked by passion and commitment but lacks the emotional bond of intimacy.
• ❤️ Consummate love is the ideal form, where all three components—intimacy, passion, and commitment—are present.

Q & A

What is Sternberg's Triangular Theory of Love?

Sternberg's Triangular Theory of Love suggests that love is composed of three components: intimacy, passion, and decision/commitment.

What does intimacy represent in the context of Sternberg's theory?

Intimacy refers to the feeling of warmth in a relationship, indicating the emotional bond and closeness between individuals.

How is passion defined within Sternberg's theory?

Passion is associated with the feelings and desires that lead to physical attraction, romance, and sexual affiliations.

What does decision/commitment entail according to the Triangular Theory of Love?

Decision/commitment involves both short-term and long-term perspectives of love, where decision refers to the immediate choice to love someone, and commitment refers to the long-term intention to maintain that love.

Can the three components of love work independently according to Sternberg?

Yes, Sternberg suggests that the components of love can work individually, meaning someone can love another without long-term intentions or be committed without acknowledging love.

What is meant by 'non-love' in Sternberg's theory?

Non-love is a state where all three components of love are absent, resulting in individuals being indifferent and having no connection with each other.

How is 'liking' different from other types of love in Sternberg's theory?

'Liking' exists when there is intimacy but lacks passion or commitment, which can also be referred to as friendship.

What characterizes infatuated love?

Infatuated love is characterized by the presence of passion without intimacy or commitment, often involving purely lustful desires.

What is 'empty love' and what are its implications?

Empty love is a type where there is commitment but lacks passion or intimacy. It can occur when couples stay together for social, legal reasons, or other purposes like children or financial security.

What is the difference between romantic love and companionate love?

Romantic love includes passion and intimacy but lacks commitment, while companionate love has intimacy and commitment but lacks passion.

How is 'fatuus love' described in Sternberg's theory?

Fatuus love involves passion and commitment but lacks intimacy. It often forms impulsively and can be under scrutiny due to its turbulent nature, with a high likelihood of failure.

What is consummate love and how is it typically portrayed?

Consummate love is the ideal form of love where all three components—intimacy, passion, and commitment—are present. It is often depicted as the ideal in media but is rarely experienced consistently in real life.

How does Sternberg suggest that love stories from various media can impact our lives?

Sternberg highlights that love stories we are exposed to can influence our decision-making when choosing partners and can shape our understanding and expectations of love.