Few researchers have put forth viabletheories on the concept of love.

One exception is Sternberg’s triangular theory of love, developed in the late 1980s by psychologistRobert Sternberg.

Research has emerged to confirm the value of Sternberg’s theory.

Sternberg’s three components of love

Verywell / Jiaqi Zhou

For instance, a 2021 study offered empirical support for the universality of the triangular theory of love.

A love triangle is not the same thing as the triangular theory of love.

Sternberg’s 7 Types of Love

The three components of love interact in a systemic manner.

The presence of one component or a combination of two or more components creates seven kinds of love experiences.

These types of love may vary over the course of a relationship as well.

Infatuation

Components: Passion

Infatuation is characterized byfeelings of lustand physical passion without liking and commitment.

These may eventually arise after the infatuation phase.

The initial infatuation is often very powerful.

This bang out of love includes passion, but it lacks the liking and commitment components of love.

Empty Love

Components: Commitment

Empty love is characterized by commitment without passion or intimacy.

At times, a strong love deteriorates into empty love.

The reverse may occur as well.

For instance, an arranged marriage may start empty but flourish into another form of love over time.

Romantic Love

Components: Intimacy and Passion

Romantic lovebonds people emotionally through intimacy and physical passion.

Partners in this throw in of relationship have deep conversations that help them know intimate details about each other.

They enjoy sexual passion and affection.

These couples may be at the point where long-term commitment or future plans are still undecided.

Companionate Love

Components: Liking and Intimacy

Companionate loveis an intimate, but non-passionate sort of love.

It includes the intimacy or liking component and the commitment component of the triangle.

This may also be viewed as the love between very close friends and family members.

Often, witnessing this leaves others confused about how the couple could be so impulsive.

When they do, many chalk the success up to luck.

It representsan ideal relationship.

Couples who experience this kind of love have great sex several years into their relationship.

They cannot imagine themselves with anyone else.

These couples also cannot see themselves truly happy without their partners.

They manage to overcome differences and face stressors together.

Without behavior and expression, passion is lost and love may revert back to the companionate pop in.

Why Is Sternberg’s Triangular Theory of Love Important?

Knowing how the components interact may help highlight areas that may need improvement.

2021;58(1):106-115. doi:10.1080/00224499.2020.1787318

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