Question

Discuss in depth Sternberg’s triangular theory of love. Give examples of each point of the triangle, including consummate love. Please elaborate in a minimum 3-5 paragraph

Answer 1

The theory of love developed by Robert Sternberg is known as triangular theory of love. This theory talks about varying degrees of passion, intimacy and commitment that a person may experience at any point in time. This theory conceptualises love in the form of a triangle where three vertex shows three different components of love, i.e., intimacy, passion and commitment.

Intimacy involves feelings of closeness, connectedness and attachment. An example of intimate love would be where people have a sense of high regards for one another. People in intimate love share and communicate with each other and help when other person is in need.

Passion involves feelings of enthusiasm, physical attraction, romance and sexual desires. Passionate love is primarily based on drives. An example of passionate love would be where people feel physically attracted to each other and express feelings of nurture, self actualization, dominance and submission etc.

Commitment involves feelings that direct an individual to stick to a person and move towards shared goaals. An example of commited love is where lovers are commited towards being together for a longer duration of time.

        Consummate love is a complete form of love and is considered the ideal love. This love has all the three components described in theory, that is, passion, intimacy and commitment. People who experience this kind of love have great sexual intimacy after many years into relationship, ther are commited for long term and manage to overcome difficulties and stressors together.