The construction of a theory that explains love is a challenge that has absorbed philosophers, psychologists and social scientists for centuries. Despite its complexity, theories of love have been proposed by scholars such as Robert Sternberg, John Alan Lee and John Bowlby, among others.
One of the most influential theories on the subject is the so-called Triangle Theory, developed by Robert Sternberg. According to this view, love is made up of three components: intimacy (closeness), passion (excitement) and commitment (desire for permanence). These elements are not only important in themselves, but also interact with each other to create different forms of love, from passionate to long-lasting.
Another important theory is the so-called Color Wheel, proposed by John Alan Lee. In this model, love is divided into three primary levels (eros, ludus, storge) that are interconnected with two other secondary levels: mania (obsession and dependence) and agape (altruism and ideals without expecting anything in return). Thus, the theory includes nine tertiary forms based on various combinations.
The fascinating universe of love: a look at its different forms.
In the fascinating universe of love, there are different theories that seek to explain the complexity of this universal feeling. Among them, three theories have had a significant impact on our understanding of love and its nature.
Robert Sternberg’s Triangle Theory is one of the most influential. According to this view, love is made up of three components: intimacy (closeness), passion (excitement), and commitment (desire for permanence). These elements are not only important in themselves, but also interact with each other to create different forms of love, from passionate to long-lasting. For example, a passionate love may be characterized by a great deal of passion and commitment, while a more stable love may be marked by greater closeness and commitment.
John Alan Lee’s Color Wheel is another important theory. In this model, love is divided into three primary levels (eros, ludus, storge) that are interconnected with two secondary levels: mania (obsession and dependence) and agape (altruism and ideals without expecting anything in return). Thus, the theory includes nine tertiary forms based on various combinations. For example, an eros love is characterized by a great deal of passion, while a storge love focuses on closeness and mutual care.
Finally, John Bowlby’s Attachment Theory highlights the importance of emotional bonds between children and caregivers during the first three years of life. Different forms of attachment (optimistic, anxious, ambivalent, avoidant) determine how people relate in the future, including how they love. In this way, the theory suggests that our love is deeply influenced by our childhood experiences and the type of attachment we develop.
Sternberg Triangle: Integrity, passion and commitment, the formula for love.
The Triangle Theory, developed by Robert Sternberg, is one of the most influential theories about love. According to this view, love is made up of three interconnected components: integrity, passion, and commitment. These elements are not only important in themselves, but also interact with each other to create different forms of love.
Integrity refers to the trust and emotional closeness that exists between two people. This component is fundamental to the development of a strong and lasting love. Integrity involves not only the ability to be open and honest with each other, but also the ability to accept and love one another.
Passion, on the other hand, focuses on the physical and emotional attraction between two people. This component is key to the development of a passionate and exciting love. Passion can be a source of energy and excitement, but it can also be destabilizing if not combined with integrity and commitment.
Finally, commitment refers to the desire for permanence and mutual dedication between two people. This component is fundamental to the development of a lasting and stable love. Commitment involves the ability to accept the limitations and challenges that come with love, and to work together toward a common goal.
The triangle theory suggests that different combinations of integrity, passion, and commitment can give rise to different forms of love. For example, a passionate love may be characterized by a great deal of passion and commitment, while a more stable love may be marked by greater closeness and commitment. In this way, the triangle theory gives us a basis for better understanding love and its different forms.
Color Wheel Theory: Three Levels: Eros, Ludus and Storge
The Color Wheel Theory, developed by John Alan Lee, is a theory of love that focuses on the idea that love is a complex, multifactorial process that can be categorized into different levels or types. According to this view, love is divided into three primary levels: Eros, Ludus, and Storge.
The Eros level refers to romantic and passionate love. This type of love is characterized by a great deal of passion and physical attraction between two people. Eros love is often marked by a strong desire for physical intimacy and excitement.
The Ludus level, on the other hand, refers to love play or flirtation. This type of love is characterized by a focus on enjoying the present moment and seeking exciting, dispassionate experience. Ludus love is often marked by a strong focus on having fun and enjoying the thrill of the chase.
Finally, the Storge level refers to paternal or maternal love or friendship. This type of love is characterized by a great deal of affection and care between two people. Storge love is often marked by a strong sense of loyalty and commitment to one another.
The color wheel theory suggests that these three levels can be combined to create different types of love, each with its own characteristics and needs. For example, an eros love might combine passion and commitment with elements of ludus (play) and storge (friendship). In this way, the theory gives us a basis for better understanding love and its different forms.
Attachment as a basis for love: an integral perspective.
John Bowlby’s Attachment Theory is a theory of emotional development that focuses on the idea that emotional bonds between children and caregivers during the first three years of life are critical to the development of a healthy attachment. Attachment refers to the ability to trust and depend on others, and is a fundamental foundation for love and relationship formation in later life.
Bowlby suggests that there are four basic attachment styles:
- Optimistic Attachment: People with this attachment style have developed a healthy attachment in their childhood, which allows them to feel safe and confident.
- Anxious-preoccupied attachment: People with this attachment style have a low expectation of being cared for, which leads them to be more dependent and anxious in their relationships.
- Ambivalent attachment: People with this attachment style have mixed feelings about caregivers, which makes them feel insecure and confused.
- Disorganized Attachment: People with this attachment style have experienced trauma or abuse in their childhood, leading them to develop self-destructive behavior patterns.
Attachment theory suggests that these attachment styles can influence how we relate to others in later life. For example, a person with an anxious-preoccupied attachment style may be more likely to choose nurturing and protective partners, but may also feel trapped in patterns of behavior that prevent them from developing a satisfying relationship.
Attachment theory also suggests that love is an evolutionary process that begins in childhood and continues throughout life. Healthy attachment in childhood is a fundamental foundation for the ability to trust, love, and be loved in adulthood.
Attachment Theory offers a comprehensive perspective on emotional development and love, suggesting that emotional bonds in childhood are fundamental to the development of a healthy attachment, and that this attachment style can influence how we relate to others in adulthood.
Conclusion
The theories of love we have reviewed (Sternberg’s Triangle Theory, Color Wheel Theory, and Attachment Theory) offer different perspectives on love and its development. Each of these theories highlights the importance of emotional, social, and affective dimensions in the process of falling in love and maintaining a loving relationship.
Sternberg’s Triangle Theory emphasizes the interplay between integrity, passion, and commitment as the basis for love. Color Wheel Theory focuses on the three primary levels of love (Eros, Ludus, and Storge) and how they can be combined to create different types of love. Finally, Attachment Theory emphasizes the role of childhood bonding in the development of a healthy attachment, which is a critical foundation for love and relationship formation in adulthood.
As you seek to better understand love and its different forms, it is important to consider these theories and how they may apply to your own experience. Understanding love as a complex process involving emotions, social, affective, and needs can help us develop healthier, more satisfying relationships in later life.
