Which term describes the combination of passion, intimacy, and commitment in a relationship?

Which term describes the combination of passion, intimacy, and commitment in a relationship?

• A. Consummate love
• B. Paternity uncertainty
• C. Self-expansion theory
• D. Attachment style

Answer: (A)

Consummate love, from Sternberg's Triangular Theory of Love, describes the complete blend of passion, intimacy, and commitment in a relationship. Passion covers the physical attraction and sexual energy that initially draws two people together. Intimacy involves closeness, trust, and sharing thoughts and feelings, creating a strong emotional bond. Commitment is the decision to stay with the partner and work toward a future together. When all three components are present, the relationship is described as consummate love because it embodies both the deep personal connection and the ongoing dedication, plus the energizing drive of attraction. Paternity uncertainty isn’t about how love components combine; it concerns doubts about who a child’s biological father is. Self-expansion theory focuses on how partners broaden their sense of self through the relationship, not on labeling a type of love with all three components. Attachment style refers to patterns of relating formed in early life that influence how people connect with others, again not a term for the complete trio of passion, intimacy, and commitment.

Consummate love, from Sternberg's Triangular Theory of Love, describes the complete blend of passion, intimacy, and commitment in a relationship. Passion covers the physical attraction and sexual energy that initially draws two people together. Intimacy involves closeness, trust, and sharing thoughts and feelings, creating a strong emotional bond. Commitment is the decision to stay with the partner and work toward a future together. When all three components are present, the relationship is described as consummate love because it embodies both the deep personal connection and the ongoing dedication, plus the energizing drive of attraction.

Paternity uncertainty isn’t about how love components combine; it concerns doubts about who a child’s biological father is. Self-expansion theory focuses on how partners broaden their sense of self through the relationship, not on labeling a type of love with all three components. Attachment style refers to patterns of relating formed in early life that influence how people connect with others, again not a term for the complete trio of passion, intimacy, and commitment.