Can We Keep the Spark Alive? Neurobiological Model of Personality, Love Styles and Passionate Love in Long-term Romantic Relationships
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29076/issn.2602-8379vol10iss18.2026pp11-20pKeywords:
love, love styles, passionate love, temperament, personalityAbstract
Current study investigated associations between neurohormonal dimensions of personality, love styles and passionate love and explored their ability to predict passionate love and love styles in long-term romantic relationships. The research aimed to contribute to the field of couples counselling and therapy by bringing novel evidence enhancing our understanding of clients love attitudes and the underlying relationships dynamics. The study population comprised of 147 participants (median age 38 years) currently in long-term romantic relationship living in Slovakia. Research sample consisted of 49 men and 98 women (66.7 per cent). Median for relationship length was 102 months (8.5 years). Research followed exploratory, correlational, quantitative, non-experimental design. Positive associations were found between Negotiator personality (estrogen-oxytocin) and Mania love style, Builder (serotonin) and Pragma, and between Explorer (dopamine) and Ludus. Negotiator and Builder were moderate predictors of above-mentioned love styles. Eros, Agape and Mania related positively to passionate love. Links between personality and Passionate Love were strongest for Negotiator and Builder. Personality assessment via Fisher Temperament Inventory may enhance greater awareness for therapists, counsellors, and clients themselves to better understand the configuration of major psychological constructs associated with its dimensions. Also, identifying personal love style may bring additional insight for therapist about clients’ preferences, motivation, emotionality, and relationship dynamic.
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