The Triangular

Theory of Love

Angel May R. Leuterio

Jasmine Pearl L. Peralta
BSN 1-E
Though most have experienced it in their lives, defining
love is challenging. Few researchers have put forth a
viable theory on the concept of love . One exception is
Sternberg's triangular theory of love, developed in the late
1980s by psychologist Robert Stenberg.
This theory suggests that people can have varying degrees
of intimacy, passion, and commitment at any one moment
in time. Research has emerged to confirm the value of
Sternberg's theory. A 2021 study offered empirical support
for the universality of the triangular theory of love.
This article discusses the three components of love that
Sternberg described. It also covers the seven different
types of love and the components of each type.
Sternberg’s 3 Components of Love

In Sternberg's theory, the concept of

love is a triangle that is made up of
three components. Some of these types
of love are focused on the love
between two people in a romantic or
sexual relationship, but these types of
love also apply to other forms of
interpersonal relationships.
 The three (3) components are:

• Intimacy, which involves feelings of closeness,

connectedness, and bondedness

• Passion, which involves feelings and desires that lead

to physical attraction, romance, and sexual
consummation

• Decision/commitment, which involves feelings that

lead a person to remain with someone and move toward
shared goals
 Sternberg's 7 Types of Love

The three components of love interact in a systemic

manner. The presence of one component or a combination of
two or more components create seven kinds of love
experiences.
These types of love may vary over the course of a
relationship as well. For example, a relationship could begin
as passionate love, progress into romantic love, and then
eventually reach a state of companionate love.
Seven (7) Types
of
Love
1. Friendship

Components: Liking

This type of love is when the intimacy or liking component is present, but
feelings of passion or commitment in the romantic sense are missing.
Friendship love can be the root of other forms of love.

2. Infatuation
Components: Passion

Infatuation is characterized by feelings of lust and physical passion without

liking and commitment. There has not been enough time for a deeper sense of
intimacy, romantic love, or consummate love to develop. These may
eventually arise after the infatuation phase. The initial infatuation is often
very powerful.
3. Empty Love

Components: Commitment

Empty love is characterized by commitment without passion or intimacy. At

times, a strong love deteriorates into empty love. The reverse may occur as
well. For instance, an arranged marriage may start out empty but flourish into
another form of love over time.

4. Romantic Love

Components: Intimacy and Passion

Romantic love bonds people emotionally through intimacy and physical

passion. Partners in this type of relationship have deep conversations that help
them know intimate details about each other. They enjoy sexual passion and
affection. These couples may be at the point where long-term commitment or
future plans are still undecided.
5. Companionate Love

Components: Liking and Intimacy

Companionate love is an intimate, but non-passionate sort of love. It includes the

intimacy or liking component and the commitment component of the triangle. It is
stronger than friendship, because there is a long-term commitment, but there is
minimal or no sexual desire.
This type of love is often found in marriages where the passion has died, but the
couple continues to have deep affection or a strong bond. This may also be viewed
as the love between very close friends and family members.

6. Fatuous Love
Components: Commitment and Passion

In this type of love, commitment and passion are present while intimacy or liking is absent.
Fatuous love is typified by a whirlwind courtship in which passion motivates a commitment
without the stabilizing influence of intimacy.
Often, witnessing this leaves others confused about how the couple could be so impulsive.
Unfortunately, such marriages often don't work out. When they do, many chalk the success up
to luck.
7. Consummate Love

Components: Intimacy, Passion, and Commitment

Consummate love is made up of all three components and is the total form of
love. It represents an ideal relationship. Couples who experience this kind of
love have great sex several years into their relationship. They cannot imagine
themselves with anyone else. They also cannot see themselves truly happy
without their partners. They manage to overcome differences and face stressors
together.
Why Is Sternberg's Triangular Theory of Love
Important?

According to Sternberg, the importance of each

component of love may differ from person to person
and couple to couple. All three components are
required for the ideal romantic relationship, but the
amount of each component required will differ from
one relationship to another, or even over time within
a relationship.
Knowing how the components interact may help
highlight areas that may need improvement. For
example, recognizing that the passion has gone out of
your relationship can help you look for ways to
rekindle the spark.
References:

https://www.verywellmind.com/types-of-lo
ve-we-experience-2303200#toc-sternbergs-3-c
omponents-of-love