Final answer:
The six combinations of intimacy, passion, and commitment in Sternberg's triangular theory of love are liking, infatuation, empty love, companionate love, romantic love, and fatuous love, each with varying components and characteristics.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to Sternberg's triangular theory of love, we can describe six (6) combinations of its three components: intimacy, passion, and commitment. The triangular theory of love posits that different forms of love can be understood in terms of these three components, each of which contributes to the quality and type of love experienced in a relationship. The six combinations are:
- Liking: This consists of intimacy alone, without passion or commitment. It is characteristic of friendships where a deep bond and warm regards are present.
- Infatuation: Defined by the presence of passion without intimacy or commitment, often experienced as an intense, immediate attraction.
- Empty Love: Comprises commitment alone without intimacy or passion, often found in relationships that have endured beyond the partners' emotional connection.
- Companionate Love: Includes both intimacy and commitment but lacks passion. This type of love is often found in close friendships and long-term marriages where the initial passion has faded but a deep affection and commitment remain.
- Romantic Love: Composed of passion and intimacy but no commitment. This form expresses itself as a passionate and emotional relationship that has yet to take the form of a commitment.
- Fatuous Love: Contains passion and commitment but lacks intimacy. This can be quick, whirlwind romances that are serious from the start but lack a deep emotional connection.
Sternberg's theory helps to explain the dynamic nature of love and how different experiences of love can evolve over time or be distinct depending on the combination of its components.