Social psychologist, Levinger (1974) defined the stages of love. According to him, as the relationship develops, there is a change in both, the intensity and the range of behavior.
a) Zero contact: this is a stage where two persons are total strangers.
b) Awareness stage: at this stage, they become aware of each other’s presence. However, impressions are formed unilaterally. At this stage if negative impression is formed, repeated exposure makes it more negative. But if the impression formed is positive or neutral, then it becomes positive after frequent exposures.
c) Surface contact: at this stage, there is some interaction and the bilateral impressions are formed.
d) Mutuality: persons are drawn to each other and become good acquaintances.
e) Moderate intersection: at this stage there is some sharing and they become good friends.
f) Major intersection: this is the stage where the persons start experiencing love i.e. deep emotions for each other.
Walster and Walster (1978) attempted to study the concept of love, scientifically. They suggested that there are two types of love:
1) passionate or romantic love
2) companionate love
Passionate or romantic love is defined as a stage of intense absorption in another. The lover experiences an intense psychological arousal. He or she seeks a complete self- fulfillment in this relationship. It is observed that parental interference intensifies this type of love. This effect is called, Romeo Juliet effect. It is momentary but can mature into companionate love. This passionate or romantic love is blind to each other’s shortcomings. It is more self centered thus it can resemble to 'having crush'.
Psychologists, Clyde and Susan Hendrick studied romantic love in more depth. According to them there are 6 basic dimensions of it.
a) Eros: this is a passionate or sexual love.
b) Ludus: this is a coy game playing love.
c) Storge: this encompasses friendship and caring.
d) Pragma: a practical, logical approach to love.
e) Mania: this is dependent or jealous love.
f) Agape: it is self-less, altruistic love.
Companionate love on the other hand is longer lasting. It may be for a lifetime. The couple in love treats each other equally and respectfully. The basic of this love is 'caring'. This love encourages mutual growth. The love is based on understanding each other, caring and sharing. The couple understands each other's shortcomings and accepts them. The foundation of this love is trust.
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