The Triangular Theory of Love Scale Used in a South African Context: A Research Study

Abstract

Sternberg’s triangular theory of love utilises the notions of intimacy, passion and commitment as a theoretical underpinning for what we define as ‘love.' The Love Scale based on the theory uses specific definitions associated with ‘love’ which try to ascertain if an individual loves another person or persons in terms of the theoretical construct. Overall, it also refers to an individual’s commitment to sustain (or maintain) their commitment to love in terms of the three notions which underpin the theory. The scale derived from the theory has not often been used in an African context. We decided to investigate how Black undergraduate South African students self-reported these notions of love on the scale and discover if any of the participants scored highly in the three components, indicating consummate love. A quantitative approach utilising a cross-sectional survey design and a random sample of undergraduate students (N 1/4 216) was used (113 females and 103 males-Mean Age 1/4 M: 19.5 years: SD: 1.23). Inferential statistics were used to analyse data which included an Independent t-test and Pearson Product Moment Correlation. Cross Tabulations and a Chi-Square Test were also used. There were significant differences between males and females on all three components of ‘love’ namely: intimacy (p 1/4 0.00); passion (p 1/4 0.000) and commitment (p 1/4 0.001). Females were somewhat to significantly above average as compared to males on all three components. Consummate love was significantly more likely to found amongst the female participants.