How many varieties of love did Sternberg identify?

How many varieties of love did Sternberg identify?

• A. Eight
• B. Five
• C. Seven
• D. Six

Answer: (A)

Sternberg’s theory uses three elements of love—intimacy, passion, and commitment. Each element can be present or absent, so there are 2^3 = 8 possible combinations. These eight varieties are nonlove, liking, infatuation, empty love, romantic love, companionate love, fatuous love, and consummate love. Because the model yields eight distinct combinations of the three components, eight is the correct count. The other options don’t fit the theory since they reflect fewer possible combinations than the triadic framework allows.

Sternberg’s theory uses three elements of love—intimacy, passion, and commitment. Each element can be present or absent, so there are 2^3 = 8 possible combinations. These eight varieties are nonlove, liking, infatuation, empty love, romantic love, companionate love, fatuous love, and consummate love. Because the model yields eight distinct combinations of the three components, eight is the correct count. The other options don’t fit the theory since they reflect fewer possible combinations than the triadic framework allows.