Understanding this

feeling…(Robert Sternberg’sRobert Sternberg’s

Triangular Theory of LoveTriangular Theory of Love…featuring:

The Seven Types of Love)

• Anything that gives pleasure…

• Intense feelings of affection, emotion or state of emotion…

• It is essentially an abstract concept, much easier to experience than to explain…

• It is Universal and at the same time, personal…

What is love?

How Thoughts Create Emotions

by Gregorio Maranon• Emotion

involves:

• 1- Physical component

• 2- Psychological or mental component

• The process:1. Sensory Information is

received

2. Amygdala reacts by sending alarm signals to adrenal gland

3. Adrenals send epinephrine & norepinephrine which activate sympathetic nervous system

4. These neurotransmitters (which also act as hormones) results to the production of a state of arousal

a. Impersonal Love- directed towards one’s country, principles or goal.

b. Interpersonal Love- shared between humans

Types of Love (based on the object)

According to the theorist Erik Erikson :

• (Theory of Psychosocial Development Stage 6: Intimacy versus isolation):

(18-34 years old) after finding their unique identity (stage 5)

the individual seeks belongingness and results to engaging in a relationship with the opposite sex

Maslow’ Hierarchy of Needs

• Included in the third level are the needs for

• friends & companions

• a supportive family

• a group, and • an intimate

relationship.

Three Elements of Three Elements of Interpersonal Interpersonal

Love RelationshipsLove Relationships

1.Intimacy2. Passion

3.Commitment

Intimacy…Intimacy…(not what you’re thinking)(not what you’re thinking)

• Shared closenessShared closeness• BondingBonding• Deep connections characterized by Deep connections characterized by

communication and trustcommunication and trust• ““Knowing” someone (and, as we know, Knowing” someone (and, as we know,

knowing someone is not fully possible… knowing someone is not fully possible… but you get the point)but you get the point)

Passion!Passion!((nownow it’s what you’re thinking) it’s what you’re thinking)

• Intense emotional desire; romance• Involves physical and sexual

components• Involuntary and motivational• Dominates thoughts and behavior• Positive (as in ecstasy or joy)• Negative (as in despair)• Usually wanes with time

CommitmentCommitment

* Short-term- Decision to love someone or not

* Long-term - Decision to maintain relationship over time

Types of Love:

1-Eros - (romantic, passionate love)2-Ludus - (game-playing love)

3-Storge - (affectionate, friendly love)4-Pragma - (logical, pragmatic love)5-Mania - (possessive, dependent,

“crazy” love)6-Agape - (unselfish love)

The Six Styles of LoveJohn Alan Lee

Realities of LOVE:• not a bed of roses; much more like a

rollercoaster• has to be sustained• It is a promise…• It is a choice…• It is a way of living…• It is a mirror…

• … now let’s see how kids define love… watch this video clip…

Thanks…..