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Sternberg Triangular Theory of Love

PSY 121: Developmental Psychology Learning Unit 8: Assignment

Seven Types of LOVE

SLO: Analyze biological, cognitive, and socioemotional developmental processes for early adulthood,

apply developmental psychological content to real-life situations to include individual differences, beliefs,

values, and interpersonal relationships, and develop critical thinking skills.

Sternberg suggested the existence of seven types of love in his Triangular Theory of Love: liking

(intimacy only), infatuation (passion only), empty love (commitment only), romantic love (intimacy and

passion), companionate love (intimacy and commitment), fatuous love (passion and commitment), and

consummate love (intimacy, passion, and commitment). Refer to the Sternberg Triangular Theory of

Love handout in the course. There again, consult the text, or the article listed below to help you create

survey questions.

Develop a survey with 10-open-ended questions that you believe would help you to identify the type of

love relationship a person or couple is currently in. Once developed, you will use this survey to interview

four (4) individuals separately that are in a current relationship with the goal of determining their “love

relationship type.” More interestingly, interview the significant other or spouse to determine if both

members of the couple view themselves as being in the same type of relationship (be sure to remain

professional, ethical, and all responses should remain confidential). Remember to interview each

person separately and again, do not share responses once you complete your interviews or your

ending analysis. DO NOT ask the interviewee where they think they are in the Triangular Theory of

Love!

Once you have completed the interviews of the four individuals in relationships, using your questions

consider your results. In a document with a title page, list your 10 open-ended questions and then your

conclusions for each person (1 paragraph each) focusing on their relationship and identify where this

couple or person is in the Triangular Theory of Love based on their responses. Make sure to provide

examples from responses to support your conclusions.

Sternberg, R.J. (1986). A triangular theory of love. Psychological Review, 93, 119-135.

Please follow the instructions in this document carefully and submit to the specific location in the Unit.

© Deb Vos and Indian Hills Community College