Comparing and Contrasting Theories of Love in Modern Psychology
The two-factor theory of emotion suggests that human emotions are made up of two unique components; the physiological arousal and a conscious understanding of the arousal. The degree of cognition is used to interpret the concept of physiological reactions to outside events surrounding the individual. Modern psychologists have employed concepts of this theory into practice whereby various love-related psychological problems are approached in the two-factor theory of emotion way hence allowing enough experiments on the passionate and companionate emotions (Carpenter, 2005).
When analyzing the similarities between the theories of passionate and companionate love, the key point to note in both types of love is the attraction that is felt towards both parties. The attraction may differ in terms of intensity but there is some degree of attraction which leads to labeling of the bond as love. Love is exhibited by intense actions some of tem out of the way in an attempt to make an individual appealing to the other as lack of attraction breaks the bond or else may lead to enmity (Fehr and Broughton, 2001).
Affection is another trait that is shared in individual engaging in either passionate or companionate love. Affection is often refereed to as an intense fondness and emotional appeal towards another person. Without affection, love cannot prevail as it allows participants to engage in harmonious non-verbal communication, as well as, development and nurturing common interest together (Brehm, 2007).
Similarly, passionate and companionate love call for significant levels of sacrifices as each party will be at times forced to comprehend and compromise in situations which may prove dangerous to the love. Hence an individual who is part of the love will have to exhibit certain levels of endurance and ability to carry out certain tasks in favor of their lovers. Endurance is a vital part of love as it entails having to cope with certain dislikes and learning to take the partners weaknesses as strengths hence from the lovers point of view, their loved ones are perfect, as well as, void of any inequities (Fehr, 2001).
Sacrifices and high degrees of endurance are significant aspects of the level of commitment which is portrayed by participants of passionate, as well as, companionate love. Commitment involves spending more time together and being concerned about the whereabouts of the other person. Commitment engages striving to make the love last forever or as long as it will last such that committed parties will work hard to ensure that they are able to share the love for longer (Carpenter, 2005).
Contrasts
While passionate love is full of very intense emotional feelings which are often sexual, companionate love is void of sexual desire of passion as it is characterized by a higher degree of commitment and is not restricted to members of opposite genders. Thus it is possible to experience companionate love among family members such as parents-children and long term friends especially those who have been together for long (Fehr, 2001). Withstanding long term marriages are perfect examples of companionate love as at some point the intense sexual desires cease and the couple hold on to the deep commitment they possess towards each other. Passionate love on the other hand fades away when intimacy is excluded from the parties’ life as it is only found among opposite gender parties (Brehm, 2007).
Consequently, on the fundamental basis through which the two forms of love are formed, a great difference is seen. Passionate love has its basis on romance and sexual attractions which are mainly physical while companionate love is built on friendship. This explains the phenomenon whereby companionate love withstands many obstacles and challenges with great commitment while passionate love cannot withstand tribulations which honed intimacy (Brehm, 2007).
Passionate love engages every bit of the lover’s emotional state such that some individuals may develop sudden obsessiveness immediately they fall in love due to emotional disability and separation at this point can cause depression. Companionate love on the pother hand is outgoing with either party being free to engage in their own dreams as they are backed up by their companions. These is exemplified by the amount of support that is offered to spouses pursuing academic dreams after the children are all grown up (Carpenter, 2005).
Similarly, while passionate lovers derive satisfaction from engaging in sexual activities any time they are together, companionate lovers derive satisfaction from each other company. Just being together works for the mutual benefit of both (Fehr, 2001).
Modern psychology has included the theories of passionate and companionate love in marriage counseling to enable partners understand concepts which could be included in the institution to make it last. This is because it is only after gaining an understanding of the specific love that is shared when conflicts can be resolved.
References
Brehm, S. S. (2007). Intimate Relationships. New York: McGraw-Hill
Carpenter, S. K (2005). “Some neglected contributions of Wilhelm Wundt to the psychology of memory.” Psychological reports. vol. 97 (1): pp.63–73
Fehr, B., and Broughton, R. (2001). “Gender and Personality Differences in Conceptions of Love: An Interpersonal Theory Analysis.” Personal Relationships vol, 8:pp.115–136.
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