what is Sternberg's Theory of Love

Here are two articles on his theory:

http://www.members.cox.net/dagershaw/lol/LoveTriangles.html
http://www.members.cox.net/dagershaw/lol/LoveFaces.html

I hope this helps. Thanks for asking.

Sternberg's Theory of Love is a psychological theory proposed by Robert J. Sternberg in 1986. According to this theory, love can be understood as a combination of three fundamental components: intimacy, passion, and commitment.

1. Intimacy: This component refers to feelings of emotional closeness, connectedness, and sharing with another person. It involves the development of a deep bond, trust, and vulnerability in a relationship. Intimacy is the foundation of a strong emotional connection between two individuals.

2. Passion: Passion is the component that involves intense physical attraction, desire, and excitement in a romantic relationship. It includes sexual arousal, infatuation, and the romantic spark between partners. Passion is what gives love its romantic and exciting element.

3. Commitment: Commitment refers to the decision and determination to maintain a long-term relationship. It involves the willingness to work through challenges, to support the relationship, and to make sacrifices for the other person. Commitment is a major contributor to relationship stability and longevity.

According to Sternberg, different combinations of these three components can result in different types of love:

- Infatuation: High levels of passion without much intimacy or commitment.
- Romantic Love: High levels of intimacy and passion but low commitment.
- Companionate Love: High levels of intimacy and commitment but low passion.
- Consummate Love: High levels of all three components: intimacy, passion, and commitment. This is considered the ideal type of love.

It is important to note that Sternberg's Theory of Love is not the only perspective on love, and there are other theories and approaches that provide additional insights into the complexity of human emotions and relationships.