Journal of Sex Research, volume 58, issue 1, pages 106-115

Universality of the Triangular Theory of Love: Adaptation and Psychometric Properties of the Triangular Love Scale in 25 Countries

Piotr Sorokowski 1
, 
Agnieszka Sorokowska 1
, 
Maciej Karwowski 1
, 
Agata Groyecka 1
, 
Toivo Aavik 2
, 
Grace Akello 3
, 
Charlotte Alm 4
, 
Naumana Amjad 5
, 
Afifa Anjum 5
, 
Kelly Asao 6
, 
Chiemezie S. Atama 7
, 
Derya Atamtürk Duyar 8
, 
Richard Ayebare 9
, 
Carlota Batres 10
, 
Mons Bendixen 11
, 
Aicha Bensafia 12
, 
Boris Bizumic 13
, 
Mahmoud Boussena 12
, 
David M. Buss 14
, 
M. L. Butovskaya 15
, 
Seda Can 16
, 
Katarzyna Cantarero 17
, 
Antonin Carrier 18
, 
Hakan Çetinkaya 16
, 
Dominika Chabin 19
, 
Daniel Conroy-Beam 20
, 
Ilona Croy 21
, 
Rosa María Cueto 22
, 
Marcin Czub 1
, 
Daria Dronova 15
, 
Seda Dural 16
, 
Izzet Duyar 8
, 
Bilal Ertuğrul 23
, 
Berna Ertugrul 23
, 
Agustín Espinosa 22
, 
Ignacio Estevan 24
, 
Carla Sofia Esteves 25
, 
Tomasz Frackowiak 1
, 
Jorge Contreras Graduño 26
, 
Farida Guemaz 27
, 
Ha Thu Tran 28
, 
Mária Halamová 29
, 
Iskra Herak 18
, 
Marina Horvat 30
, 
Ivana Hromatko 31
, 
Chin-Ming Hui 32
, 
Jas Laile Jaafar 33
, 
Feng Jiang 34
, 
Konstantinos Kafetsios 35
, 
Tina Kavčič 36
, 
Leif Edward Ottesen Kennair 11
, 
Nicolas Kervyn 18
, 
Nils C. Köbis 37
, 
Aleksandra Kostic 38
, 
Anna Krasnodębska 39
, 
András Láng 40
, 
Georgina R. Lennard 13
, 
Ernesto León 22
, 
Torun Lindholm 4
, 
Gulia Lopez 41
, 
Mohammad Madallh Alhabahba 42
, 
Alvaro Mailhos 24
, 
Zoi Manesi 43
, 
Rocio Martinez 44
, 
Mario Sainz 44
, 
Sarah L. McKerchar 13
, 
Norbert Meskó 40
, 
Girishwar Misra 45
, 
Conal Monaghan 13
, 
Emanuel C. Mora 46
, 
Alba Moya-Garófano 44
, 
Bojan Musil 30
, 
Jean Carlos Natividade 47
, 
George Nizharadze 48
, 
Elisabeth Oberzaucher 49
, 
A. Oleszkiewicz 1
, 
Mohd Sofian Omar-Fauzee 50
, 
Ike E. Onyishi 7
, 
Baris Özener 8
, 
Ariela F Pagani 41
, 
Vilmante Pakalniskiene 51
, 
Miriam Parise 41
, 
Bogusław Pawłowski 1
, 
Farid Pazhoohi 52
, 
Marija Pejičić 38
, 
Annette Pisanski 46
, 
Katarzyna Pisanski 1
, 
Nejc Plohl 30
, 
Edna Ponciano 53
, 
Camelia Popa 54
, 
Pavol Prokop 55
, 
Aneta Przepiórka 56
, 
Quang Lam Truong 28
, 
Muhammad Rizwan 57
, 
Joanna Różycka Tran 58
, 
Svjetlana Salkičević 31
, 
Ruta Sargautyte 51
, 
Ivan Sarmány-Schuller 59
, 
Susanne Schmehl 49
, 
Anam Shahid 5
, 
Rizwana Shaikh 60
, 
Shivantika Sharad 61
, 
Franco Simonetti 62
, 
M. Tadinac 31
, 
Thi Khanh Ha Truong 28
, 
Karina Ugalde González 63
, 
Christin-Melanie Vauclair 25
, 
Luis Diego Vega 63
, 
Dwi Ajeng Widarini 64
, 
Bogdan Wojciszke 28
, 
Gyesook Yoo 65
, 
Zainab Fotowwat Zadeh 66
, 
Marta Zaťková 29
, 
Maja Zupančič 67
, 
Robert J. Sternberg 68
Show full list: 115 authors
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Westminster College | 
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University of Nigeria | 
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THETA-Uganda | 
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Franklin and Marshall College | 
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Norwegian University of Technology and Science (NTNU) | 
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University Algiers 2 | 
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Escuela Nacional de Estudios Superiores, Unidad Morelia, UNAM | 
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School of Psychology, University of Monterrey | 
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K.Bendukidze Free University
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UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA | 
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UNATC-CINETIc Bucharest | 
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The Delve Pvt Ltd
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Center of Social and Psychological Sciences SAS
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Universidad Latina de Costa Rica | 
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University of Prof. Dr. Moestopo (Beragama)
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Publication type: Journal Article
Publication date: 2020-08-12
scimago Q1
SJR: 1.137
CiteScore: 7.0
Impact factor: 2.7
ISSN: 00224499, 15598519
Sociology and Political Science
History and Philosophy of Science
General Psychology
Gender Studies
Abstract
The Triangular Theory of Love (measured with Sternberg’s Triangular Love Scale – STLS) is a prominent theoretical concept in empirical research on love. To expand the culturally homogeneous body of...
Found 50
By date By citations
SAGE
Sex Differences in Mate Preferences Across 45 Countries: A Large-Scale Replication
Walter K.V., Conroy-Beam D., Buss D.M., Asao K., Sorokowska A., Sorokowski P., Aavik T., Akello G., Alhabahba M.M., Alm C., Amjad N., Anjum A., Atama C.S., Atamtürk Duyar D., Ayebare R., et. al.
Psychological Science scimago Q1 wos Q1 , 
2020-03-20,  citations by CoLab: 184 ,  Abstract  
Considerable research has examined human mate preferences across cultures, finding universal sex differences in preferences for attractiveness and resources as well as sources of systematic cultural variation. Two competing perspectives—an evolutionary psychological perspective and a biosocial role perspective—offer alternative explanations for these findings. However, the original data on which each perspective relies are decades old, and the literature is fraught with conflicting methods, analyses, results, and conclusions. Using a new 45-country sample ( N = 14,399), we attempted to replicate classic studies and test both the evolutionary and biosocial role perspectives. Support for universal sex differences in preferences remains robust: Men, more than women, prefer attractive, young mates, and women, more than men, prefer older mates with financial prospects. Cross-culturally, both sexes have mates closer to their own ages as gender equality increases. Beyond age of partner, neither pathogen prevalence nor gender equality robustly predicted sex differences or preferences across countries.
MDPI
Romantic Love and Reproductive Hormones in Women
Sorokowski P., Żelaźniewicz A., Nowak J., Groyecka A., Kaleta M., Lech W., Samorek S., Stachowska K., Bocian K., Pulcer A., Sorokowska A., Kowal M., Pisanski K.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health scimago Q2 Open Access , 
2019-10-31,  citations by CoLab: 14 ,  PDF,  Abstract  
Increased reproductive success is among the most commonly proposed adaptive functions of romantic love. Here, we tested if hormonal changes associated with falling in love may co-vary with hormonal profiles that predict increased fecundity in women. We compared blood serum levels of estradiol (E2, E2/T), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), prolactin (PRL), free testosterone (fT), and cortisol (CT), measured in the early follicular phase of the menstrual cycle in single women (N = 69) and in women at the beginning of a romantic heterosexual relationship who reported being in love with their partner (N = 47). Participants were healthy, regularly cycling women aged 24 to 33 who did not use hormonal contraception. We found that women in love had higher levels of gonadotropins (FSH, LH) and lower testosterone levels compared to single women who were not in love. These groups of women did not, however, differ in terms of estradiol, prolactin, or cortisol levels.
Elsevier
Assortative mating and the evolution of desirability covariation
Conroy-Beam D., Roney J.R., Lukaszewski A.W., Buss D.M., Asao K., Sorokowska A., Sorokowski P., Aavik T., Akello G., Alhabahba M.M., Alm C., Amjad N., Anjum A., Atama C.S., Atamtürk Duyar D., et. al.
Evolution and Human Behavior scimago Q1 wos Q1 , 
2019-09-01,  citations by CoLab: 32 ,  Abstract  
Mate choice lies close to differential reproduction, the engine of evolution. Patterns of mate choice consequently have power to direct the course of evolution. Here we provide evidence suggesting one pattern of human mate choice—the tendency for mates to be similar in overall desirability—caused the evolution of a structure of correlations that we call the d factor. We use agent-based models to demonstrate that assortative mating causes the evolution of a positive manifold of desirability, d, such that an individual who is desirable as a mate along any one dimension tends to be desirable across all other dimensions. Further, we use a large cross-cultural sample with n = 14,478 from 45 countries around the world to show that this d-factor emerges in human samples, is a cross-cultural universal, and is patterned in a way consistent with an evolutionary history of assortative mating. Our results suggest that assortative mating can explain the evolution of a broad structure of human trait covariation.
SAGE
Core and Peripheral Features of the Cross-Cultural Model of Romantic Love
Nelson A.J., Yon K.J.
Cross-Cultural Research scimago Q1 wos Q1 , 
2018-11-26,  citations by CoLab: 6 ,  Abstract  
Ethnological studies point to candidates for culturally universal and variable characteristics of romantic love models. However, only recently have these hypotheses begun to be tested through primary data collection intended for cross-cultural comparison. This study builds on two such efforts covering the United States, Russia, Lithuania, and China by adapting their methods to South Korea. We found support for the core features of romantic love identified in these studies (sexual attraction, altruism, intrusive thinking, emotional fulfillment, and idealization). We also explain peripheral meanings of love, including its association with sex, irrationality, and material considerations. In our discussion of East Asian models of romantic love, we argue that the apparently less altruistic attitudes of East Asian women toward their lovers are attributable to the deterioration of structural support for institutions that enforced the ideal of female sacrifice previously valorized in their family relations, and women’s backlash against these continued expectations.
Frontiers Media S.A.
Love Influences Reproductive Success in Humans
Sorokowski P., Sorokowska A., Butovskaya M., Karwowski M., Groyecka A., Wojciszke B., Pawłowski B.
Frontiers in Psychology scimago Q2 wos Q2 Open Access , 
2017-11-21,  citations by CoLab: 39 ,  PDF,  Abstract  
As love seems to be universal, researchers have attempted to find its biological basis. However, no studies to date have shown its direct association with reproductive success, which is broadly known to be a good measure of fitness. Here, we show links between love, as defined by the Sternberg Triangular Theory of Love, and reproductive success among the Hadza – traditional hunter-gatherer population. We found that commitment and reproductive success were positively and consistently related in both sexes, with number of children showing negative and positive associations with intimacy and passion, respectively, only among women. Our study may shed new light on the meaning of love in humans’ evolutionary past, especially in traditional hunter-gatherer societies in which individuals, not their parents, were responsible for partner choice. We suggest that passion and commitment may be key factors that increase fitness, and therefore that selection promoted love in human evolution. However, further studies in this area are recommended.
Frontiers Media S.A.
Marital Satisfaction, Sex, Age, Marriage Duration, Religion, Number of Children, Economic Status, Education, and Collectivistic Values: Data from 33 Countries
Sorokowski P., Randall A.K., Groyecka A., Frackowiak T., Cantarero K., Hilpert P., Ahmadi K., Alghraibeh A.M., Aryeetey R., Bertoni A., Bettache K., Błażejewska M., Bodenmann G., Bortolini T.S., Bosc C., et. al.
Frontiers in Psychology scimago Q2 wos Q2 Open Access , 
2017-07-21,  citations by CoLab: 61 ,  PDF, 
Elsevier
Is love related to selfies? Romantic selfie posting behavior and love levels among women and men
Sabiniewicz A., Borkowska B., Serafińska K., Sorokowski P.
Personality and Individual Differences scimago Q1 wos Q1 , 
2017-06-01,  citations by CoLab: 9 ,  Abstract  
Although interest in the selfie phenomenon has recently increased, no studies have yet examined the meaning behind posting romantic selfies. In a study involving a total of 584 men and women, we examined whether the amount of romantic selfies on Facebook profiles may reliably reflect love level in a heterosexual relationship, as evaluated using Sternberg's Triangular Love Scale. We found that men's overall Love Scale scores positively predicted quantity of posted romantic selfies. Additionally, in men, the scores of two out of three subscales—Passion and Commitment—each independently predicted the numbers of romantic selfies. In contrast, women's romantic selfie-posting behavior correlated with only one subscale. Our findings provide the first evidence that the link between love level and romantic selfie-posting behavior is stronger among men than that among women. Therefore, our results may highlight key romantic behavioral differences in online social networking in both sexes.
Romantic Love in Cultural Contexts
Karandashev V.
2017-01-01,  citations by CoLab: 50 , 
University of California Press
lavaan: An R Package for Structural Equation Modeling
Rosseel Y.
Journal of Statistical Software scimago Q1 wos Q1 Open Access , 
2015-09-21,  citations by CoLab: 16548 ,  Abstract  
Structural equation modeling (SEM) is a vast field and widely used by many applied researchers in the social and behavioral sciences. Over the years, many software packages for structural equation modeling have been developed, both free and commercial. However, perhaps the best state-of-the-art software packages in this field are still closed-source and/or commercial. The R package lavaan has been developed to provide applied researchers, teachers, and statisticians, a free, fully open-source, but commercial-quality package for latent variable modeling. This paper explains the aims behind the development of the package, gives an overview of its most important features, and provides some examples to illustrate how lavaan works in practice.
Mary Ann Liebert
The Use of Social Networking Sites for Relationship Maintenance in Long-Distance and Geographically Close Romantic Relationships
Billedo C.J., Kerkhof P., Finkenauer C.
Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking scimago Q1 wos Q1 , 
2015-03-09,  citations by CoLab: 58 ,  Abstract  
Social networking sites (SNS) play an increasingly important role in maintaining geographically close romantic relationships (GCRR). However, knowledge about SNS use in long-distance romantic relationships (LDRR) is still lacking. The present study examined the relative importance of SNS in maintaining LDRR compared to GCRR, particularly with regard to the use of SNS to express involvement (via relational maintenance behaviors) and to gauge a partner's involvement (via partner surveillance and jealousy) in the relationship. An online survey was conducted among predominantly young adult Facebook users who were in a romantic relationship (N=272). Results showed that participants who were in a LDRR reported higher levels of relational maintenance behaviors through SNS than participants who were in a GCRR. Also, as compared to participants who were in a GCRR, participants who were in a LDRR used SNS more for partner surveillance and experienced higher levels of SNS jealousy.
Springer Nature
Early Stage Romantic Love is Associated with Reduced Daily Cortisol Production
Weisman O., Schneiderman I., Zagoory-Sharon O., Feldman R.
Adaptive Human Behavior and Physiology scimago Q3 wos Q3 , 
2014-09-06,  citations by CoLab: 11 ,  Abstract  
Early-stage romantic love constitutes a unique phase associated with distinct brain activations and neuro-hormonal processes that function to consolidate the affiliative bond. Little research addressed functioning of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis during this phase or tested the relationship between cortisol and interactive behavior in new lovers. The current study examined daily cortisol production in 113 healthy young adults, including 79 new lovers who began a romantic relationship within the past 3 months and 34 demographically-matched singles. Saliva samples were collected three times per day on two consecutive days: at awakening, 30 minutes post-awakening, and at bedtime. Couples were videotaped during naturalistic interactions and self-reported on their relationship quality. Basal cortisol, total daily cortisol (AUCg), and cortisol awakening response (CAR) were assessed. New lovers exhibited lower daily cortisol production and blunted CAR, suggesting that the initiation of a romantic bond attenuates the stress response. Observed social reciprocity and goal-directed partnership and reported commitment to the relationship were associated with lower daily cortisol. Findings are consistent with research on the effects of intimate partner relationships on the stress response and support our bio behavioral synchrony model by demonstrating links between neuroendocrine processes and reciprocal social behavior during periods of bond formation in humans.
SAGE
Perceptions of love across the lifespan
Sumter S.R., Valkenburg P.M., Peter J.
International Journal of Behavioral Development scimago Q1 wos Q2 , 
2013-07-17,  citations by CoLab: 44 ,  Abstract  
This study investigated perceptions of love across the lifespan using Sternberg’s triangular theory of love, which distinguishes between passion, intimacy, and commitment. The study aimed to (a) investigate the psychometric properties of the short Triangular Love Scale (TLS-short) in adolescents and adults (see Appendix), and (b) track age and gender differences in the three love components of the TLS-short in a sample of 12- to 88-year-olds (N = 2791). The three-factor structure of the TLS-short was confirmed in both the adolescent and adult sample. Adolescents (12–17 years) reported lower levels of all love components compared to young adults (18–30 years). Late adults (50+) reported lower levels of passion and intimacy, but similar levels of commitment compared to young (18–30 years) and middle adults (30–50 years). Gender differences in the perceptions of all three love components were present but less sizeable than suggested in popular accounts and earlier academic research.
Evolution and Human Sexual Behavior
GRAY P.B., GARCIA J.R.
2013-04-01,  citations by CoLab: 83 , 
The Making and Breaking of Affectional Bonds
Bowlby J.
2012-12-06,  citations by CoLab: 35 , 
SAGE
Cross-Cultural Analysis of Models of Romantic Love Among U.S. Residents, Russians, and Lithuanians
de Munck V.C., Korotayev A., de Munck J., Khaltourina D.
Cross-Cultural Research scimago Q1 wos Q1 , 
2011-02-01,  citations by CoLab: 47 ,  Abstract  
Our goal was to detect and describe a common “core” structure of romantic love and to also discover and explain variations due to cultural or gender differences between three national cultures: the United States, Russia, and Lithuania. Our sample consisted of 262 American males, 362 American females, 166 Russian males, 130 females, 102 Lithuanian males, and 135 Lithuanian females—a total of 1,157 people. Our analysis was derived from (a) a 14-item questionnaire; (b) freelist responses to the question “What do you associate with romantic love?” and (c) interview and focus group data. The questionnaire was devised by employing well-known quotations about romantic love that cover a range of feelings and perceptions of love. Our results showed that there is no overall consensus but there was cross-cultural consensus on five variables: intrusive thinking, happiness; passion; altruism; and improve well-being of partner. In the freelist portion, we also found some significant similarities—particularly the desire to be together was ranked first across all three cultures. However key cultural differences were found. Friendship and comfort love were critical features of romantic love for the U.S. sample, but nonexistent for the Lithuanian and Russian samples. Conversely, the latter two samples saw love as “unreal,” “temporary,” and “a fairytale.” These cultural differences were explored through interviews and shown to serve as different cultural frames used to interpret similar emotional complexes. We suggest that the differences do not affect the evolutionary functions of romantic love and are adaptations to different types of social organizations. The etic-emic approach used in this cross-cultural research provides for a more nuanced, ethnographically sound, and cross-culturally valid description and analysis of the form and function of romantic love cross culturally than does either approach by itself.
Found 38
By date By citations
Elsevier
The function of love: A signaling-to-alternatives account of the commitment device hypothesis
Gelbart B., Walter K.V., Conroy-Beam D., Estorque C., Buss D.M., Asao K., Sorokowska A., Sorokowski P., Aavik T., Akello G., Alhabahba M.M., Alm C., Amjad N., Anjum A., Atama C.S., et. al.
Evolution and Human Behavior scimago Q1 wos Q1 , 
2025-03-13,  citations by CoLab: 0 , 
Elsevier
Romantic relationships on social media
Guadagno R.E.
2025-01-18,  citations by CoLab: 0 , 
F1000 Research
Music across the love-span: a mixed methods study into the use of music in romantic relationships
Vigl J., Bamford J.S., Fleckenstein A., Saarikallio S.
Open Research Europe scimago Q2 Open Access , 
2024-12-24,  citations by CoLab: 0 ,  Abstract  
Background Music is known to be a powerful tool for social bonding, but its role in romantic relationships remains poorly understood. The present study investigated the relevance of music to three core aspects of love (intimacy, passion and commitment) across relationship stages: attraction, building, and maintenance. Methods Using a mixed-methods approach, 174 participants responded to self-report ratings assessing the role of music for the three aspects of love across the three relationship stages, as well as open-ended questions reflecting on their music-related experiences at each relationship stage. Results Results from quantitative ratings showed that music promotes intimacy and passion, particularly during the attraction and building phases, with less impact on commitment and during the maintenance phase. Participants with greater musical expertise and reward reported greater overall importance of music, suggesting that musical ability and preference may be used as a tool to assess compatibility between partners, rather than being generally attractive traits. Qualitative analysis of 351 coded open responses revealed a set of 55 key musical actions (e.g., listening, sharing and making music) and outcomes (e.g., bonding, (re)connecting and assessing compatibility) related to participants’ use of music throughout the three relationship stages. Themes such as signalling attraction and emotional communication were most prominent in the attraction phase, whereas bonding through shared musical activities was more common in later phases. Conclusion The present study provides a first systematic investigation of the role of music for different phases and aspects of romantic relationships. The findings provide valuable insights for music research, relationship studies, and therapeutic practice, highlighting the role of music in fostering connection and intimacy in romantic relationships.
Taylor & Francis
Nurturance, Eroticism, and Relationship Satisfaction Among People in Monogamous and Consensually Non-Monogamous Relationships
Larva M.A., Mogilski J.K., Blumenstock S.M.
Journal of Sex Research scimago Q1 wos Q1 , 
2024-12-18,  citations by CoLab: 0 , 
Springer Nature
Love Components in Free-Choice and Arranged Marriages Among Five Non-Western Populations From Africa, Amazonia, and Himalayas
Sorokowski P., Groyecka-Bernard A., Kowal M., Butovskaya M., Stefanczyk M.M., Huanca T., Kumar A., Manral U., Odo O.M., Onyishi I.E., Jędryczka W.
Archives of Sexual Behavior scimago Q1 wos Q1 , 
2024-12-13,  citations by CoLab: 0 ,  Abstract  
Abstract Two main ways to enter a marriage are through free choice and through an arrangement between families, known as an arranged marriage. In this study, we compared differences in three dimensions of love (Intimacy, Passion, and Commitment) between spouses in love-based marriages and arranged marriages among five non-Western societies: Bhotiya from the Himalayas, Igbo from Nigeria, Kimeru from Kenya, Meru from Tanzania, and Tsimane’ from Bolivia. When considering all data gathered from the five cultures, free choice and arranged marriages did not differ significantly in average love scores. However, within cultures, some differences did emerge between free choice and arranged marriages, such as spouses from free choice marriages from Bhotiya and Tsimane’ culture showing higher levels of Intimacy than those from arranged marriages. However, in the Bhotiya, this difference was only evident in marriages lasting longer than 10 years. Moreover, spouses from free choice marriages from Bhotiya reported higher levels of passion, while spouses from free choice marriages from Tsimane’ reported higher levels of commitment than individuals from arranged marriages. Conversely, wives from arranged marriages from Meru culture from Tanzania reported higher levels of Intimacy and Passion as compared to wives from free choice marriages. In Kimeru and Igbo, no significant differences were found. These results contribute to the growing body of literature on the relationship between culture, love, and marriage. Our data also challenge the Western perception that arranged marriages lack love.
Springer Nature
Measuring Love Around the World: A Cross-Cultural Reliability Generalization
Feybesse C., Forthmann B., Neto F., Holling H., Hatfield E.
Sexuality and Culture scimago Q1 wos Q2 , 
2024-11-15,  citations by CoLab: 0 ,  Abstract  
We collected international studies that have used the Passionate Love Scale, the Love Attitudes Scale and the Triangular Love Scale in order to check the stability of reliability estimates of these measures across different cultures until mid-2017. We used cultural dimensions to verify if the different love components of these scales could have some cultural effects on their reliabilities. We were able to gather 79 studies from 33 countries representing 32,867 participants. We used a variance stabilizing transformation to compare Cronbach’s alphas estimations, bivariate correlation analysis for confounding and moderator analysis to check for the reliability across demographic information and various test-characteristics. The results indicated that the love dimensions tended to be reliable across studies and countries and were relatively free of cultural influences. Participants across the world tended to evaluate their romantic feelings with similar consistency and these measures should be reliable worldwide.
SAGE
Love's Paradox: Unraveling the Dynamics of Love and Psychological Intimate Partner Violence Against Women
Ablana C., Raynal P., Séjourné N.
Violence Against Women scimago Q1 wos Q1 , 
2024-11-10,  citations by CoLab: 0 ,  Abstract  
This study investigates the connection between psychological intimate partner violence (IPV) and love components in relationships, surveying 1,061 women. Using Sternberg's Triangular Love Scale, participants assessed Intimacy, Commitment, and Passion, revealing four clusters (“Moderate Love,” “No Love,” “Low Passion,” and “Mostly Passion”). ANCOVA (analysis of covariance) analysis, with age as covariate, highlighted significant differences in Intimacy, Commitment, and Passion among clusters, validating the classification. Surprisingly, the “Mostly Passion” cluster exhibited higher severe psychological aggression and specific controlling behaviors than the “Low Passion” group. These findings emphasize the intricate relationship between love components and psychological IPV, suggesting tailored interventions for healthier relationships and victim support.
Wiley
Loving our leaders: A triangular theory of love for political figures
Goldberg S.M., Sternberg R.J.
Journal of Applied Social Psychology scimago Q2 wos Q3 , 
2024-09-30,  citations by CoLab: 0 ,  Abstract  
AbstractMany people support and stand by political candidates in the same way that a person might support a significant other. In two studies, we preliminarily explored the utility of a triangular theory of love proposed for political figures. In the first study, data from 87 university students were used to obtain results relating to levels of intimacy, passion, commitment, and satisfaction for a participant‐chosen political figure. We hypothesized that intimacy, passion, and commitment would predict higher levels of satisfaction with political figures. Correlational analyses revealed significant relationships between all three variables and satisfaction. In stepwise multiple regressions, intimacy and passion retained significant relationships with satisfaction. In the second study, 299 university students reported levels of intimacy, passion, commitment, and satisfaction for three political figures: Joe Biden, Donald Trump, and Barack Obama. All three variables were significantly correlated with satisfaction for each candidate. Stepwise multiple regression analyses revealed that intimacy and commitment, but not passion, predicted satisfaction for Joe Biden and Donald Trump. Intimacy, passion, and commitment significantly predicted satisfaction for Barack Obama. Voters may experience a kind of love for political figures, and understanding this relationship may have implications for helping voters make informed decisions during elections.
SAGE
A RELIC theory of love: The role of interpersonal, intrapersonal, and extrapersonal elements in love
Sternberg R.J., Sternberg K.
Theory and Psychology scimago Q1 wos Q3 , 
2024-08-10,  citations by CoLab: 0 ,  Abstract  
This article presents a new, RELIC (Real Love In Context) theory of love. The theory contains three subtheories. Two of them constitute an endosystem, or inner system of love. The triangular theory, an interpersonal theory, describes love in term of the intimacy, passion, and commitment one feels toward another person. The theory of love as a story, an intrapersonal theory, describes stories that characterize one’s ideal depiction of what love should and potentially could be. The third, extrapersonal subtheory constitutes an ecosystem, or outer system of love. Drawing on the work of Urie Bronfenbrenner, it describes five hierarchically nested environmental systems (microsystem, mesosystem, exosytem, macrosystem, chronosystem) in which love is embedded and that continually affect the love one feels for another. The forces of the ecosystem act upon the endosystem in ways that can bring couples (or larger groups) together or drive them apart.
Springer Nature
Reply to: Differences in response-scale usage are ubiquitous in cross-country comparisons and a potential driver of elusive relationships
Sorokowski P., Kowal M.
Scientific Reports scimago Q1 wos Q1 Open Access , 
2024-05-13,  citations by CoLab: 0 ,  PDF, 
SAGE
Emerging Adults’ Attitudes Toward Romantic Relationships: The Effects of Parental Bonding and Personal Value Preferences
Tartakovsky E.
Emerging Adulthood scimago Q1 wos Q2 , 
2024-04-22,  citations by CoLab: 2 ,  Abstract  
This study investigates how parenting and value preferences are connected to emerging adults’ attitudes toward romantic relationships. The study was conducted in Israel among young Jews and Arabs looking for a romantic partner ( n = 1121, 40% male, age 18–30). Higher preferences for conservation versus openness to change and self-enhancement versus self-transcendence values and higher levels of parental care were associated with positive romantic attitudes. In addition, parental care was associated with higher preferences for self-transcendence versus self-enhancement and conservation versus openness to change values, and autonomy-providing was associated with higher preferences for openness to change versus conservation and self-transcendence versus self-enhancement values. Personal value preferences partially mediated the connection between parental bonding and romantic attitudes. More specifically, high levels of parental care and overcontrol lead to a higher preference for conservation values, which, in turn, lead to more positive romantic attitudes. The obtained results advance our understanding of the connections between parenting, general motivational goals, and romantic relationships among emerging adults.
SAGE
Conservatism Negatively Predicts Creativity: A Study Across 28 Countries
Groyecka-Bernard A., Sorokowski P., Karwowski M., Roberts S.C., Aavik T., Akello G., Alm C., Amjad N., Asao K., Atama C.S., Atamtürk Duyar D., Ayebare R., Batres C., Bensafia A., Bertoni A., et. al.
Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology scimago Q1 wos Q2 , 
2024-04-02,  citations by CoLab: 0 ,  Abstract  
Previous studies have found a negative relationship between creativity and conservatism. However, as these studies were mostly conducted on samples of homogeneous nationality, the generalizability of the effect across different cultures is unknown. We addressed this gap by conducting a study in 28 countries. Based on the notion that attitudes can be shaped by both environmental and ecological factors, we hypothesized that parasite stress can also affect creativity and thus, its potential effects should be controlled for. The results of multilevel analyses showed that, as expected, conservatism was a significant predictor of lower creativity, adjusting for economic status, age, sex, education level, subjective susceptibility to disease, and country-level parasite stress. In addition, most of the variability in creativity was due to individual rather than country-level variance. Our study provides evidence for a weak but significant negative link between conservatism and creativity at the individual level (β = −0.08, p < .001) and no such effect when country-level conservatism was considered. We present our hypotheses considering previous findings on the behavioral immune system in humans.
Frontiers Media S.A.
Love songs and serenades: a theoretical review of music and romantic relationships
Bamford J.S., Vigl J., Hämäläinen M., Saarikallio S.H.
Frontiers in Psychology scimago Q2 wos Q2 Open Access , 
2024-02-14,  citations by CoLab: 3 ,  PDF,  Abstract  
In this theoretical review, we examine how the roles of music in mate choice and social bonding are expressed in romantic relationships. Darwin’s Descent of Man originally proposed the idea that musicality might have evolved as a sexually selected trait. This proposition, coupled with the portrayal of popular musicians as sex symbols and the prevalence of love-themed lyrics in music, suggests a possible link between music and attraction. However, recent scientific exploration of the evolutionary functions of music has predominantly focused on theories of social bonding and group signaling, with limited research addressing the sexual selection hypothesis. We identify two distinct types of music-making for these different functions: music for attraction, which would be virtuosic in nature to display physical and cognitive fitness to potential mates; and music for connection, which would facilitate synchrony between partners and likely engage the same reward mechanisms seen in the general synchrony-bonding effect, enhancing perceived interpersonal intimacy as a facet of love. Linking these two musical functions to social psychological theories of relationship development and the components of love, we present a model that outlines the potential roles of music in romantic relationships, from initial attraction to ongoing relationship maintenance. In addition to synthesizing the existing literature, our model serves as a roadmap for empirical research aimed at rigorously investigating the possible functions of music for romantic relationships.
Elsevier
Cognitive fossils: using cultural artifacts to reconstruct psychological changes throughout history
Baumard N., Safra L., Martins M., Chevallier C.
Trends in Cognitive Sciences scimago Q1 wos Q1 , 
2024-02-01,  citations by CoLab: 3 ,  Abstract  
Psychology is crucial for understanding human history. When aggregated, changes in the psychology of individuals – in the intensity of social trust, parental care, or intellectual curiosity – can lead to important changes in institutions, social norms, and cultures. However, studying the role of psychology in shaping human history has been hindered by the difficulty of documenting the psychological traits of people who are no longer alive. Recent developments in psychology suggest that cultural artifacts reflect in part the psychological traits of the individuals who produced or consumed them. Cultural artifacts can thus serve as 'cognitive fossils' – physical imprints of the psychological traits of long-dead people. We review the range of materials available to cognitive and behavioral scientists, and discuss the methods that can be used to recover and quantify changes in psychological traits throughout history.
Springer Nature
A decade of love: mapping the landscape of romantic love research through bibliometric analysis
Han Y., Luo Y., Chen Z., Gao N., Song Y., Liu S.
Humanities and Social Sciences Communications scimago Q1 wos Q1 Open Access , 
2024-01-31,  citations by CoLab: 3 ,  PDF,  Abstract  
AbstractGiven the limited availability of bibliometric and visual analysis on the topic of romantic love, the primary objective of the current study is to fill this gap by conducting a comprehensive visual analysis of relevant literature. Through this analysis, the current study aimed to uncover current research trends and identify potential future directions in the field of romantic love. The current study’s search criteria were met by an impressive 6858 publications found in the Web of Science database for the period between 2013 and 2022. A thorough analysis was conducted on the bibliographic visualization of the authors, organizations, countries, references, and keywords. Over time, there has been a remarkable surge in the number of significant publications. Among the authors in the field of romantic love, Emily A. Impett has emerged as the most prolific. The Journal of Social and Personal Relationships is indeed one of the top journals that has published a significant number of articles on the topic of romantic love. During the preceding decade, the University of California System emerged as a prominent producer of publications centered around romantic love, solidifying the United States’ position as a dominant player in this field. In recent times, there has been a significant surge in the popularity of keywords such as “same-sex,” “conflict resolution,” and “social relationships” within academic literature. These topics have experienced a burst of attention, as evidenced by a substantial increase in references and citations. Through the use of visualization maps and analysis of key publications, the current study offers a comprehensive overview of the key concepts and potential avenues for future research in the field of romantic love. Gaining a deep understanding of the complex dynamics and societal implications of romantic love has been instrumental in formulating policies that embody increased compassion and support. As a result, these policies have played a pivotal role in fostering resilient familial ties and contributing to the enduring stability and prosperity of our social fabric.

Top-30

Journals

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Frontiers in Psychology
Frontiers in Psychology, 6, 15.79%
Scientific Reports
Scientific Reports, 3, 7.89%
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2, 5.26%
Sexuality and Culture
Sexuality and Culture, 2, 5.26%
Archives of Sexual Behavior
Archives of Sexual Behavior, 2, 5.26%
Magyar Pszichologiai Szemle
Magyar Pszichologiai Szemle, 1, 2.63%
Psychology of Music
Psychology of Music, 1, 2.63%
Journal of Child and Family Studies
Journal of Child and Family Studies, 1, 2.63%
PLoS ONE
PLoS ONE, 1, 2.63%
Psychoneuroendocrinology
Psychoneuroendocrinology, 1, 2.63%
Trends in Psychology, 1, 2.63%
Trends in Cognitive Sciences
Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 1, 2.63%
IEEE Access
IEEE Access, 1, 2.63%
Humanities and Social Sciences Communications
Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, 1, 2.63%
Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology
Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology, 1, 2.63%
Emerging Adulthood
Emerging Adulthood, 1, 2.63%
Theory and Psychology
Theory and Psychology, 1, 2.63%
Journal of Applied Social Psychology
Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 1, 2.63%
Violence Against Women
Violence Against Women, 1, 2.63%
Journal of Sex Research
Journal of Sex Research, 1, 2.63%
Open Research Europe
Open Research Europe, 1, 2.63%
Journal of Social and Personal Relationships
Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 1, 2.63%
Evolution and Human Behavior
Evolution and Human Behavior, 1, 2.63%
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4
5
6

Publishers

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2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Springer Nature
Springer Nature, 9, 23.68%
SAGE
SAGE, 6, 15.79%
Frontiers Media S.A.
Frontiers Media S.A., 6, 15.79%
Elsevier
Elsevier, 4, 10.53%
MDPI
MDPI, 2, 5.26%
Akademiai Kiado
Akademiai Kiado, 1, 2.63%
Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Public Library of Science (PLoS), 1, 2.63%
Sociedade Brasileira de Psicologia, 1, 2.63%
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), 1, 2.63%
Wiley
Wiley, 1, 2.63%
Taylor & Francis
Taylor & Francis, 1, 2.63%
F1000 Research
F1000 Research, 1, 2.63%
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  • We do not take into account publications without a DOI.
  • Statistics recalculated only for publications connected to researchers, organizations and labs registered on the platform.
  • Statistics recalculated weekly.

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