The New Psychology of Love

by Robert J. Sternberg (Editor)

This is a much-needed development from the first edition that provides an update on the theory and research on love by world-renowned scientific experts. It explores love from a diverse range of standpoints: social-psychological, evolutionary, neuropsychological, clinical, cultural, and even political. It considers questions such as: how men and women differ in their love, what makes us susceptible to jealousy and envy in relationships, how love differs across various cultures? As the neuropsychological basis of love is examined, this study showcases what attracts people to one another, why love has developed the way it has over time, and what evolutionary purpose it serves. It also analyses why and when love relationships both succeed and fail, which means readers will be rewarded with a better understanding of their own relationships and those of others, as well as what can be done to build a lasting, loving relationship.

Genres: Psychology, Nonfiction, Relationships, Love, Science

354 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

About the author

Robert J. Sternberg's spectacular research career in psychology had a rather inauspicious beginning. In elementary school he performed poorly on IQ tests, and his teachers' actions conveyed their low expectations for his future progress. Everything changed when his fourth grade teacher, Mrs. Alexa, saw that he had potential and challenged him to do better. With her encouragement, he became a high-achieving student, eventually graduating summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from Yale University. In a gesture of gratitude, Dr. Sternberg dedicated his book, Successful Intelligence to Mrs. Alexa.

Dr. Sternberg's personal experiences with intelligence testing in elementary school lead him to create his own intelligence test for a 7 th grade science project. He happened to find the Stanford-Binet scales in the local library, and with unintentional impertinence, began administering the test to his classmates; his own test, the Sternberg Test of Mental Abilities (STOMA) appeared shortly thereafter. In subsequent years he distinguished himself in many domains of psychology, having published influential theories relating to intelligence, creativity, wisdom, thinking styles, love and hate.

Dr. Sternberg's Triarchic Theory of (Successful) Intelligence contends that intelligent behavior arises from a balance between analytical, creative and practical abilities, and that these abilities function collectively to allow individuals to achieve success within particular sociocultural contexts. Analytical abilities enable the individual to evaluate, analyze, compare and contrast information. Creative abilities generate invention, discovery, and other creative endeavors. Practical abilities tie everything together by allowing individuals to apply what they have learned in the appropriate setting. To be successful in life the individual must make the best use of his or her analytical, creative and practical strengths, while at the same time compensating for weaknesses in any of these areas. This might involve working on improving weak areas to become better adapted to the needs of a particular environment, or choosing to work in an environment that values the individual's particular strengths. For example, a person with highly developed analytical and practical abilities, but with less well-developed creative abilities, might choose to work in a field that values technical expertise but does not require a great deal of imaginative thinking. Conversely, if the chosen career does value creative abilities, the individual can use his or her analytical strengths to come up with strategies for improving this weakness. Thus, a central feature of the triarchic theory of successful intelligence is adaptability-both within the individual and within the individual's sociocultural context.

Reviews

[Misty Galbraith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very science/research based book that is a collection of papers and studies examining the psychology of love and attraction. It is heavy reading but fascinating. I particularly liked the chapter that summarized Sternberg’s research on the triangle of love (intimacy, passion, commitment) and integrated that into the theory of love as a “story.” I also liked the research on respect, which isolated several commonalities in people we admire: empowerment, healing, dialogue, attention, curiosity, and self-respect. I liked the different types of “love” discussed in this book and the emphasis on passionate love that was the main focus. There is a lot of good information to digest and I will turn to it as a good resource in my studies.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

The New Psychology of Love is written in an academic fashion. At times, it can be quite repetitive and dry, going over similar concepts and theories chapter after chapter. In any case, it was still a thought-provoking read that examines the biological basis of love, the semantics of love, and the role culture has in configuring our own perceptions of love. A worthwhile read that will compel you to analyze your relationships and better understand the mechanisms behind your actions and the actions of others.

[Brutus Bellamy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This collection of entries from various contributing psychologists provides a strong basis for understanding love on a social and personal level. Very diverse in its approach (making some chapters more coherent and relatable than others), I found the book to very useful for understanding my own relationships and approaches to them. My only other complaint, besides the varying chapter styles, would be the APA citation format. I recognize that this is the style which Psychologists have resolved to use, but it's still frustrating to read (and inferior to Chicago style).

[Peter Spinoso · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great textbook, for ALL readers!

Very insightful, provides numerous perspectives instead of focusing on just one or a few like some texts do, and is overall very helpful in understanding relationships and daily behavior

[Joy Mistur · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beginning to structuring and evaluating love is a help personally!

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Sternberg for the beautiful literature behind such an intricate phenomena. The book is held together nicely and seamlessly. I am now more drawn in thoughtful appreciation of the expression and continuation of love in everyday life.