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Wednesday, 13 February 2013

Robert Sternberg’s triangular theory of love

In 2004 Robert Sternberg proposed a theory in which he divided love into 3 parts.

Intimacy: - Bondedness, closeness, connectedness, sharing feelings, etc.

Passion: - Physical attraction, romance, obsessive physical want, etc.

Commitment: - Loyalty, Trust, etc.

By considering Intimacy, Passion, Commitment as a triangle, love can be divided into 7 parts.



Intimacy
Passion
Commitment
Nonlove



Friendship/Liking
Present


Infatuation

Present

Empty love


Present
Romantic love
Present
Present

Companionate love
Present

Present
Fatuous love

Present
Present
Consummate love
Present
Present
Present

References: -


1. Robert J. Sternberg, "Triangulating Love", in T. J. Oord ed. The Altruism Reader (2007) p. 332


2. Robert J. Sternberg, "A Triangular Theory of Love", in H. T. Reis/C. E. Rusbult eds., Close Relationships (2004) p. 258

2 comments:

  1. all these posts reminded me of my dissertation :)

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  2. Your dissertation related to friendship has a great significance in every1’s life. All relationships end in friendship. When one is young his/her father is his/her father & mother is his/her mother. When he/she grows up. Father & mother both become friends in most of the families. Even in relationships friendship is important. It reminds me of Rajneesh Osho’s quote “"Friendship has coolness in it. Love has heat hence it goes high, low; sometimes beautiful & sometimes everything ugly. Love changes. Friendship has a more eternal quality to it; it doesn't change. Let love be the first step & friendship the climax."

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