Going beyond significance quest in interpersonal relationships.

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Social Psychology
• Relationship Science

Background:

• The tri-factorial model of love is a prominent theory explaining romantic love's motivational basis.
• This model defines love through three components: passion, intimacy, and commitment.
• However, the model's definitions present challenges in terms of falsifiability and generalizability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically evaluate the limitations of the tri-factorial model of love.
• To propose an alternative framework for understanding interpersonal phenomena.
• To emphasize the role of instrumental goals in interpersonal relationships.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis of the tri-factorial model.
• Theoretical argumentation for a revised framework.
• Exploration of interpersonal dynamics through the lens of goal instrumentality.

Main Results:

• The tri-factorial model's components lack clear, testable definitions, hindering scientific rigor.
• A framework emphasizing the instrumental value of others for achieving dynamic goals provides a more comprehensive explanation.
• This revised perspective accounts for a wider range of interpersonal interactions and motivations.

Conclusions:

• The tri-factorial model's limitations necessitate a new theoretical approach.
• Understanding interpersonal relationships requires considering the instrumental utility of others in pursuit of evolving goals.
• This goal-based instrumental framework offers greater explanatory power and generalizability in relationship science.