Love as a universal phenomenon: Data from nine non-WEIRD societies

Abstract

Love has long been hypothesized to be a universal human experience. However, most studies testing this claim have relied on historical data or heavily focused on WEIRD populations. In this study, we go beyond WEIRD by analysing data from nine societies with distinct ecological and cultural backgrounds, whose lifestyles are believed to more closely approximate those of human ancestors, rather than those of highly industrialized societies of today. These societies include: Aborigines from Australia, Bhotiya from India, Fulani from Nigeria, Hadza from Tanzania, Igbo from Nigeria, Kimeru from Kenya, Meru from Tanzania, Nepalis from Kathmandu, and Tsimane from Bolivia (N = 937, 43 % men, Mage = 33.51, SDage = 10.59). Across all cultures, participants reported high levels of intimacy, passion, and commitment, the three core components of romantic love. Individual differences in love's intensity were greater than cultural differences, though cultural variation suggests some influence of cultural factors on love experiences. Additionally, the pattern of higher intimacy and commitment compared to passion closely aligns with findings from WEIRD samples. Overall, the present study provides further evidence for the universality of romantic love.