The present study is a theoretical essay about the phenomenon of love in romantic relationships in the field of psychology and social psychology. The first theories on love in psychology are presented. After, three theories of social psychology are discussed in greater depth: love styles, by John Alan Lee, the adult attachment theory, by Phillip Shaver, Cindy Hazan and Donna Bradshaw, and the triangular theory of love, by Robert J. Sternberg. The contributions of each theory on theoretical, empirical and methodological issues are presented. Two aspects were observed: that love is a complex phenomenon and the presence of theoretical and methodological differences among the three theories. The complexity is observed in theoretical approach diversity and in research results. Theoretically, there is disagreement on how love is conceived. Methodologically, there is a predominance of quantitative research with different scales. It is observed that further investigation on the theme is needed, as well as on the scales adopted. Therefore, the love field of study is still in process of evolution, so further research may contribute to this field. It is suggested that it is important to study the interaction of culture, values and beliefs in the experience of love and to use more qualitative approaches in the research about love.
Love; Interpersonal relationships; Social psychology; Emotional States
