Triangular Theory Of Love Sternberg Analysis

1. Introduction

In our generation, it may seems that understanding a person in a relationship is a difficult task, particularly when in some cases, we do not even comprehend ourselves. This primes up to the main point, relationship difficulties and people questioning about the love as it remains a vague topic to many of us.

In this report, we will be focusing on “Understanding Relationship” and analyse the types of love using the Triangular Theory of Love model by Robert Sternberg. To help with the analysis and study of this, an interview was conducted with a couple.

2. Brief Introduction of the Couple

For the analysis and study, I have chosen a couple as my interviewees. The male interviewee is Leonard Tay Jia Yang, 18 years old and currently

Triangular Theory of Love Model

As per this theory by Sternberg, love comprises of three main components, mainly: Intimacy, Passion and Commitment. From there three components, Sternberg further identifies 8 different types of love, which portray a combinations of these three elements. (Crowell, E. (n.d.)). In Sternberg view, he perceive consummate love which consists of all 3 components to be the ideal and “perfect” relationship. (Hill K, 2012). However, it can be very rare to have a “perfect” relationship these days. Each components in the triangle would determine the different types of love a couple is experiencing.

What is passion? Passion includes having a relationship with physical arousal desires, sexual longing and any strong emotional need. (Chua, 2015). Through the interview, the couple was interviewed on their views if sex and physical intimacy is a must in a relationship. Both of them identified it to be a no. Leonard explained that this is because he respect Sze Teng as of now and both of them do not support pre-marital sex while Sze Teng commented that sexual intercourse do not mean anything to them in their relationship now and is definitely not a must to them. (Refer to Appendix Question 6). Both of them also did identified that they seek for companionate love (commitment and intimacy) which is steadier and is managed based on commitment from both partners now. It was also remarked that they do not feel the need for sexual activities which may be inappropriate

Mature love is define to be the affection you see in long term relations. Being together is deem as a need instead of a want in the relationship. Some signs of mature love includes: dependable, friendship and acceptance. (Stritof, S, 2015)

Immature love is filled with doubts, fights and jealousy (Martin. L, 2015).

Following up based on the results from the interview, the couple displayed mature love as they are enticed to each other qualities such as dependence, personality and even annoyance. They also showed mature love towards each other when there is conflicts between them. Instead of blaming each other as per immature love, they give in or give each other personal space to cool down before talking it out. (Refer to Appendix Question 4.)

6. Security and support

Being one of the most important factor in a relationship, it may cause a huge impact on the relationship and eventually leads to an unsuccessful relationship. It is also evident that security and support is required to strengthen a couple’s love in a