LU2 : Close Relationships and Love Flashcards
what is love
An emotional reaction beyond attraction = stronger, longer lasting relationship.
- A combination of emotions, cognitions & behaviours that often play a crucial role in intimate relationships.
What is the origin of love?
- Ancestors – survival of them & the species depended on reproductive success.
- Success was more likely if heterosexual pairs were erotically attracted to each other (desire) & were willing to invest time & energy in feeding & protecting offspring.(interpersonal commitment.)
- Genetically primed to seek sex, fall in love, & become parents.
Sternberg’s Triangular model of love
(3 basic components)
intimacy, passion and decision/commitment
1. Intimacy- the closeness two people feel and the strength of the bond that holds them together.
2. Passion: The sexual motives and excitement associated with a couple’s relationship
3. decision/commitment: The cognitive processes involved in deciding that you love another person
- committed to maintain the relationship
Sternberg’s Triangular model of love
(three angles are equally strong)
consummate love
- consummate love is the ideal form but often difficult to attain or maintain
Sternberg’s Triangular model of love
(Types of love)
- Liking
- companionate love
- empty love
- fatuous love
- infatuation
- romantic love
- consummate love
Sternberg’s Triangular model of love
(liking)
- Intimacy
- true friendship
Sternberg’s Triangular model of love
(companionate love)
- Intimacy + Commitment
- Long term committed friendship or relationship
Sternberg’s Triangular model of love
(empty love)
- commitment
- Arranged marriage, commitment to each other
Sternberg’s Triangular model of love
(fatuous love)
- Passion + Commitment
- Whirlwind marriage
Sternberg’s Triangular model of love
(infatuation)
- passion
- A fling, ‘love at first sight’
Sternberg’s Triangular model of love
(romantic love)
- Intimacy + Passion
- On again, off again, attraction but no commitment
Sternberg’s Triangular model of love
(consummate love)
- Intimacy + Passion + Commitment
- Ideal love, difficult to attain.
What do we seek in romantic partners?
- depends on the role we expect to play in the future – provider or homemaker?
- expected to be a homemaker = they valued provider skills & traits more highly
- expected to be a provider = valued homemaker skills more highly
- anticipated future roles strongly affect what we seek in a potential mate.
