Topic 5 DQ 1 PSY 362
Q: What are Robert J. Sternberg's (in "Construct Validation of a Triangular
Love Scale") three components of intimate relationships? Is it necessary
for all three to be present in an intimate relationship? How do
relationships that vary on these components differ from each other?
A:Robert J. Sternberg’s three components of intimate relationships are
intimacy, passion, and commitment. These three components are not
always all present in relationships which creates a variety of love types.
Eight different love types come from the presence or absence of these
three components. All eight types are missing at least one of the three
elements except for consummate love which has all three components
present. This is the type of love that most people strive for although it is
not necessary for a relationship to have all three present. If a
relationship is missing one, two, or all three of the components, it
creates a different relationship than one that is not missing any. If
intimacy is missing, there will not be the feeling of closeness or
attachment between the two people. If passion is missing, the sexual
attraction and thoughts are also often missing. If commitment is missing,
the relationship will likely not last long. A relationship in which all three
are missing is nonlove which is what most personal relationships are as
well as casual interactions.
Reference:
Sternberg, R. J. (1997). Construct validation of a triangular love scale.
European Journal of Social Psychology, 27(3), 313–335. https://doi-
org.lopes.idm.oclc.org/10.1002/(SICI)1099-0992(199705)27:3<313::AID-
EJSP824>3.0.CO;2-4
Q: What are Robert J. Sternberg's (in "Construct Validation of a Triangular
Love Scale") three components of intimate relationships? Is it necessary
for all three to be present in an intimate relationship? How do
relationships that vary on these components differ from each other?
A:Robert J. Sternberg’s three components of intimate relationships are
intimacy, passion, and commitment. These three components are not
always all present in relationships which creates a variety of love types.
Eight different love types come from the presence or absence of these
three components. All eight types are missing at least one of the three
elements except for consummate love which has all three components
present. This is the type of love that most people strive for although it is
not necessary for a relationship to have all three present. If a
relationship is missing one, two, or all three of the components, it
creates a different relationship than one that is not missing any. If
intimacy is missing, there will not be the feeling of closeness or
attachment between the two people. If passion is missing, the sexual
attraction and thoughts are also often missing. If commitment is missing,
the relationship will likely not last long. A relationship in which all three
are missing is nonlove which is what most personal relationships are as
well as casual interactions.
Reference:
Sternberg, R. J. (1997). Construct validation of a triangular love scale.
European Journal of Social Psychology, 27(3), 313–335. https://doi-
org.lopes.idm.oclc.org/10.1002/(SICI)1099-0992(199705)27:3<313::AID-
EJSP824>3.0.CO;2-4
