Question

Describe Sternberg's Triangular Theory of Love. Make one criticism.

Answer 1

Sternberg identified three components of love in his triangular theory. They are

• Intimacy - warmth and closeness shared in relationship
• Passion - intensity of the feelings
• Commitment- the intention of maintaining and keeping the relationship stable and long term.

Based on how these 3 components interact we can classify different forms of love.

• When all three ate absent there is no love.
• Infatuated love - when there is high amountbof passion but less commitment and intimacy.
• Liking- We share intimacy with a person but there is no passion or commitment.
• Fatuous Love- Combination of passion and commitment.Hasty relationships where intimacy has not yet developed.
• Empty Love- Only Commitment is present, no passion and intimacy.
• Romantic Love- Whn intimacy amd passion are present, lovers are drawn towards each other but there is no intention of commitment.
• Companionate Love - Intimacy and commitment is there but no passion, often seen in long term marriages.
• Consummate Love- when a relationship is balanced in all three dimensions.

Sternberg's theory although useful in classifying love, does not give a definition of what love is and why it relies only on these 3 dimensions.