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The Three Components Of Robert Sternberg's Theory Of Love

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The triangular theory of love is a theory of loved developed by psychologist Robert Sternberg. Presented in 1985, Sternberg was a member of the Psychology Department at Yale University. During his time as a professor, Sternberg emphasized his research in the fields of intelligence, creativity, wisdom, leadership, thinking styles, ethical reasoning, love, and hate. In the context of interpersonal relationships, "the three components of love, according to the triangular theory, are an intimacy component, a passion component, and a decision/commitment component."^(5)
There are three components of love as follows:
Passion: Passion can be associated with either physical arousal or emotional stimulation. Passion is defined in three ways:
• A strong feeling of enthusiasm or excitement for something or about doing something^
• A strong feeling (such as anger) that causes people to act in a dangerous way
• strong sexual or romantic feeling for someone
Intimacy: Intimacy is described as the feelings of closeness and attachment to one another. This tends to strengthen the tight bond that is shared between those two individuals. Additionally, having a sense of intimacy helps create the feeling of being at ease with one another, in the sense that the two parties are mutual in their feelings. Intimacy is primarily defined as something of a personal or private nature; familiarity.^
Commitment: Unlike the other two blocks, commitment involves a conscious decision to stick with one another.

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