Who theorized the Triangle Theory of Love, which includes passion, intimacy, and commitment?

The Triangle Theory of Love, proposed by Robert Sternberg, serves as a framework for understanding the different components that constitute love in interpersonal relationships. According to Sternberg, love is made up of three main dimensions: passion, intimacy, and commitment. Passion refers to the emotional and physical attraction one feels towards another, intimacy involves feelings of closeness and connectedness, and commitment signifies the decision to maintain that love over time.

Sternberg's theory suggests that these three components can combine in various ways to produce different types of love experiences. For instance, a relationship characterized solely by passion may be described as infatuation, whereas a combination of intimacy and commitment without passion may constitute companionate love. This comprehensive approach allows for an analysis of relationships on a more nuanced level, illuminating how different forms of love can evolve and how they impact relational dynamics.

Understanding the Triangle Theory of Love is fundamental in social psychology, as it offers insights into how relationships develop, change, and fulfill human needs for connection and companionship.