Question

According to Sternberg’s “A Triangular Theory of Love” (1986), only one kind of love comprises all three components of love. Which of the following is that kind of love? Question 10 options: A) Fatuous love B) Romantic love C) Companionate love D) Consummate love

Answer 1

Answer: According to Sternberg’s “A Triangular Theory of Love” (1986), only one kind of love comprises all three components of love. That kind of love is: Consummate love (Option D).

Explanation of the answer: In his triangular theory of love, Sternberg considered three vertices of a metaphorical triangle that related to three components of love. The components are following:

• Intimacy – A feeling of bonding or connection that creates warmth in love relations
• Passion – A drive or arousal leading to sexual relation, physical attraction, and pure romance
• Commitment – A commitment towards maintaining a relation over time with a significant other

Now, let’s see how your four answer options are explained on these three interactive components that may or may not be present in various types of love relationships and at various stages of love life:

• Fatuous love: It happens when passion and commitment are present in a relation. However, it is not an ideal form of love, because the intimacy element is missing here.
• Romantic love: This type of love is based on intimacy and passion. There is no commitment.
• Companionate love: This is usually the stage when passion goes missing from a relation. In companionate love, there is more of intimacy and commitment among partners.
• Consummate love: Sternberg described this type of love as complete love, which every couple must strive to achieve in their relationship. It is the total of intimacy, passion, and commitment. As it doesn’t lack any element, Consummate Love (option D) is the right answer.