Attachment Theory and Sternberg's Theory of Love are two prominent psychological theories offering insights into

different aspects of human relationships, primarily focusing on attachment and love.

Attachment Theory:

Developed by British psychologist John Bowlby, Attachment Theory primarily addresses the emotional bonds formed
between infants and their primary caregivers. However, it also has implications for understanding adult relationships.
Here are key points related to Attachment Theory:

Attachment Styles: Attachment Theory identifies different attachment styles based on the quality of the caregiver-infant
bond. These styles can carry over into adult relationships.

Secure Attachment: Infants with secure attachment feel confident that their caregiver will meet their needs. In
adulthood, individuals with secure attachments tend to have healthy, trusting, and emotionally satisfying relationships.

Anxious-Preoccupied Attachment: Infants with this attachment style often worry about the availability of their
caregivers. As adults, they may be clingy, anxious, and overly dependent on their partners, seeking constant reassurance.

Dismissive-Avoidant Attachment: Infants with dismissive-avoidant attachment learn to self-soothe and may downplay
their emotional needs. In adulthood, individuals with this style often value independence, struggle with emotional
intimacy, and may fear getting too close to others.

Fearful-Avoidant (Disorganized) Attachment: This attachment style is marked by confusion and ambivalence. As adults,
those with disorganized attachment may exhibit unpredictable relationship behaviors and difficulty forming stable
connections.

Impact on Adult Relationships: Attachment styles developed in childhood can influence how individuals approach adult
relationships. Securely attached individuals tend to have more stable and fulfilling partnerships, while insecurely
attached individuals may face trust, intimacy, and communication challenges.

Sternberg's Triangular Theory of Love:

Robert J. Sternberg's theory focuses on love as a complex, multifaceted phenomenon. According to Sternberg, love
consists of three main components that can combine to create various types of love:

Prepared by Jade C. Gerona, MPM-PM

Passion: This component represents the intense emotional and physical attraction between individuals. It includes
romantic and sexual desire.

Intimacy: involves emotional closeness, trust, and sharing of personal thoughts and feelings. It is essential for deep
connection in a relationship.

Commitment: Commitment is the decision to maintain a long-term partnership, often driven by shared goals, values,
and a willingness to work through challenges.

Sternberg's theory categorizes love into different types based on the presence or absence of these components:

Consummate Love: This is the most complete and ideal form of love, characterized by high levels of passion, intimacy,
and commitment.
Romantic Love: Romantic love includes passion and intimacy but lacks long-term commitment. It is often associated with
passionate, infatuation-driven relationships.
Companionate Love: Companionate love combines intimacy and commitment without the intense passion seen in
romantic love. It is often found in deep, enduring friendships and some long-term partnerships.
Empty Love: This type consists of commitment alone, without passion or intimacy. It can occur in relationships that have
lost their romantic or emotional connection but continue due to commitment or obligation.
Fatuous Love: Fatuous love involves passion and commitment but lacks intimacy. It can result from impulsive decisions to
commit based on physical attraction, without a deep emotional connection.

Understanding Sternberg's Theory of Love can help individuals recognize and navigate the complexities of their romantic
relationships, making them more aware of the components that may be present or missing in their love experiences.

Attachment Theory focuses on the development of emotional bonds from infancy to adulthood and how these
attachment styles affect adult relationships, while Sternberg's Theory of Love provides a framework for understanding
the different dimensions of love and the various types of love that can exist in romantic relationships. Together, these
theories offer valuable insights into the dynamics of human relationships and emotional connections.

Prepared by Jade C. Gerona, MPM-PM