Triangular theory of love

Psychologists’ explanation of love and relationships

Robert J Sternberg’s Triangular Theory of Love says that there are 7 different types of love – so which one suits your relationship? We found out!

Learn about Sternberg’s triangular theory of love, which suggests that there are 7 types of love, made up of varying degrees of intimacy, passion, and commitment.

Triangular theory of love: Robert Sternberg’s categorization of love relationships into three facets: passion, intimacy and commitment. When arranged at points of a triangle, their combinations describe all different kinds of adult love relationships.

Sternberg's triangular theory of love was developed after the identification of passionate love and companionate love. Passionate love and companionate love are different kinds of love but are connected in relationships. Passionate love is associated with strong feelings of love and desire for a specific person. This love is full of excitement and newness. Passionate love is important in the beginning of the relationship and typically lasts for about a year, more or less.

The Triangular Theory of Love, proposed by psychologist Robert Sternberg, suggests that love consists of three components: Intimacy (emotional closeness and connectedness), Passion (romantic and physical attraction), and Commitment (decision to maintain the love in the long term).

Friendship and love, and more broadly, the relationships that people cultivate in their lives, are some of the most valuable treasures a person can own. This module explores ways in which we try to understand how friendships form, what attracts one per...

CBT Therapist & Psychologist on Instagram: “In Dr. Sternberg's theory, the concept of love is a triangle that is made up of three components: 👉Intimacy, which involves feelings of…”

Robert Sternberg is a contemporary psychologist best known for his research on intelligence, love, creativity, and cognitive styles.