Triangular Theory of Love

Study Notes

Triangular Theory of Love

Developed by Robert Sternberg, the theory identifies different types of love based on three components: intimacy, passion, and commitment.

Consummate Love

Defined as the ideal love, combining intimacy, passion, and commitment.
Represents a complete and fulfilling relationship.

Romantic Love

Composed of intimacy and passion.
Characterized by strong emotional and physical attraction without commitment.

Infatuation

Identified by passion alone.
Described as a fleeting and obsessive attraction, often occurring at first sight, lacking intimacy and commitment.

Fatuous Love

Involves passion and commitment.
Commitment is based primarily on passion, but lacks depth; typically results in a shallow relationship due to absence of intimacy.

Empty Love

Consists solely of commitment.
Involves a decision to stay together without emotional or physical closeness, often seen in stagnant relationships.

Compassionate Love

Comprised of intimacy and commitment.
Represents a long-term bond, such as marriage, where initial passion may have diminished over time.

Liking

Characterized by intimacy alone.
Refers to deep, platonic friendships that lack romantic passion and long-term commitment.

Description

Explore Robert Sternberg's Triangular Theory of Love through this quiz. Assess your understanding of the various types of love, such as romantic, consummate, and infatuation, defined by their components: intimacy, passion, and commitment. Test your knowledge of how these elements combine to form different relationships.