Member-only story
The Psychology of Love: Understanding the Science Behind Romance👫🥰
Love is perhaps the most intense and multifaceted emotion that humans feel. It can influence our thoughts, actions, and even our physical well-being. Whether romantic, familial, or platonic, love has a profound impact on our everyday lives. But what is love? Why does it make us feel the way we do? And how does it influence us psychologically?
In this article, we shall discover the psychology of love, taking a deep dive into the science of emotion, attachment, and relationships.
1. The Different Types of Love
Psychologists tend to classify love into various forms, each having distinct features and emotional experience. One of the widely accepted theories was put forward by psychologist Robert Sternberg, where he defined three main elements of love: intimacy, passion, and commitment. Sternberg's Triangular Theory of Love says that these elements mix and match in a combination to create different types of love.
Intimacy is described as a sense of closeness, connectedness, and emotional bonding.
Passion
is the strong desire and sexual desire that usually comes with romantic love.
Commitment