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The importance of love and affection in sexual relationships: An evaluation from psychological, biological, and sociological perspectives

Year 2025, Volume: 7 Issue: 12, 46 - 58, 01.04.2025

Abstract

Sexuality is a multifaceted phenomenon encompassing biological, psychological, and sociological dimensions. Beyond its physiological aspects, it represents a profound human experience that fosters emotional and spiritual connections. This study explores the critical role of love and affection in sexual relationships, emphasizing their importance in emotional fulfillment, relationship sustainability, and the development of healthy attachment dynamics. Drawing on Sternberg’s Triangular Theory of Love and attachment theory, the paper argues that sexuality enriched with love and affection transcends physical gratification, contributing to individuals’ overall well-being. Additionally, the research examines the impact of cultural shifts in modern society, where media and popular culture often commodify sexuality, potentially leading to alienation and emotional dissatisfaction. By integrating psychological, biological, and sociological perspectives, this study highlights the indispensable role of love and affection in meaningful and fulfilling sexual relationships.

References

  • Attwood, F. (2006). Sexed up: Theorizing the sexualization of culture. Polity Press.
  • Bartels, A., & Zeki, S. (2000). The neural basis of romantic love. NeuroReport, 11(3), 3845-3851.
  • Bauman, Z. (2003). Liquid love: On the frailty of human bonds. Polity Press.
  • Baumeister, R. F., & Leary, M. R. (1995). The need to belong: Desire for interpersonal attachments as a fundamental human motivation. Psychological Bulletin, 117(3), 497-529.
  • Bowlby, J. (1969). Attachment and loss: Volume I. Attachment. Basic Books.
  • Carter, C. S. (1998). Neuroendocrine perspectives on social attachment and love. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 23(8), 779-818.
  • Evans, A., & Riley, S. (2015). Technologies of sexiness: Sex, identity, and consumer culture. Springer.
  • Feldman, R. (2012). Oxytocin and social affiliation in humans. Hormones and Behavior, 61(3), 399-410.
  • Fisher, H. E. (1998). The anatomy of love. W.W. Norton & Company.
  • Fisher, H. E. (2004). Why we love: The nature and chemistry of romantic love. Henry Holt and Company.
  • Fraley, R. C., & Shaver, P. R. (2000). Adult romantic attachment: Theoretical developments, emerging controversies, and unanswered questions. Review of General Psychology, 4(2), 132-154.
  • Gill, R. (2008). Empowerment/sexism: Figuring female sexual agency in contemporary advertising. Feminism & Psychology, 18(1), 35-60.
  • Giddens, A. (1992). The transformation of intimacy. Polity Press.
  • Gottman, J., & Silver, N. (1999). The seven principles for making marriage work. Three Rivers Press.
  • Hazan, C., & Shaver, P. R. (1987). Romantic love conceptualized as an attachment process. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 52(3), 511-524.
  • Illouz, E. (2012). Why love hurts: A sociological explanation. Polity Press.
  • Krippendorff, K. (2013). Content analysis: An introduction to its methodology. Sage Publications.
  • Levy, A. (2005). Female chauvinist pigs: Women and the rise of raunch culture. Free Press.
  • Marazziti, D., Akiskal, H. S., Rossi, A., & Cassano, G. B. (1999). Alteration of the platelet serotonin transporter in romantic love. Psychiatry Research, 88(3), 167-177.
  • Miles, M. B., & Huberman, A. M. (1994). Qualitative data analysis: An expanded sourcebook. Sage Publications.
  • Sternberg, R. J. (1986). A triangular theory of love. Psychological Review, 93(2), 119-135.
  • Twenge, J. M., Sherman, R. A., & Wells, B. E. (2017). Declines in sexual activity among young adults. Psychological Science, 28(10), 1387-1397.

The importance of love and affection in sexual relationships: An evaluation from psychological, biological, and sociological perspectives

Year 2025, Volume: 7 Issue: 12, 46 - 58, 01.04.2025

Abstract

Sexuality is a multifaceted phenomenon encompassing biological, psychological, and sociological dimensions. Beyond its physiological aspects, it represents a profound human experience that fosters emotional and spiritual connections. This study explores the critical role of love and affection in sexual relationships, emphasizing their importance in emotional fulfillment, relationship sustainability, and the development of healthy attachment dynamics. Drawing on Sternberg’s Triangular Theory of Love and attachment theory, the paper argues that sexuality enriched with love and affection transcends physical gratification, contributing to individuals’ overall well-being. Additionally, the research examines the impact of cultural shifts in modern society, where media and popular culture often commodify sexuality, potentially leading to alienation and emotional dissatisfaction. By integrating psychological, biological, and sociological perspectives, this study highlights the indispensable role of love and affection in meaningful and fulfilling sexual relationships.

References

  • Attwood, F. (2006). Sexed up: Theorizing the sexualization of culture. Polity Press.
  • Bartels, A., & Zeki, S. (2000). The neural basis of romantic love. NeuroReport, 11(3), 3845-3851.
  • Bauman, Z. (2003). Liquid love: On the frailty of human bonds. Polity Press.
  • Baumeister, R. F., & Leary, M. R. (1995). The need to belong: Desire for interpersonal attachments as a fundamental human motivation. Psychological Bulletin, 117(3), 497-529.
  • Bowlby, J. (1969). Attachment and loss: Volume I. Attachment. Basic Books.
  • Carter, C. S. (1998). Neuroendocrine perspectives on social attachment and love. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 23(8), 779-818.
  • Evans, A., & Riley, S. (2015). Technologies of sexiness: Sex, identity, and consumer culture. Springer.
  • Feldman, R. (2012). Oxytocin and social affiliation in humans. Hormones and Behavior, 61(3), 399-410.
  • Fisher, H. E. (1998). The anatomy of love. W.W. Norton & Company.
  • Fisher, H. E. (2004). Why we love: The nature and chemistry of romantic love. Henry Holt and Company.
  • Fraley, R. C., & Shaver, P. R. (2000). Adult romantic attachment: Theoretical developments, emerging controversies, and unanswered questions. Review of General Psychology, 4(2), 132-154.
  • Gill, R. (2008). Empowerment/sexism: Figuring female sexual agency in contemporary advertising. Feminism & Psychology, 18(1), 35-60.
  • Giddens, A. (1992). The transformation of intimacy. Polity Press.
  • Gottman, J., & Silver, N. (1999). The seven principles for making marriage work. Three Rivers Press.
  • Hazan, C., & Shaver, P. R. (1987). Romantic love conceptualized as an attachment process. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 52(3), 511-524.
  • Illouz, E. (2012). Why love hurts: A sociological explanation. Polity Press.
  • Krippendorff, K. (2013). Content analysis: An introduction to its methodology. Sage Publications.
  • Levy, A. (2005). Female chauvinist pigs: Women and the rise of raunch culture. Free Press.
  • Marazziti, D., Akiskal, H. S., Rossi, A., & Cassano, G. B. (1999). Alteration of the platelet serotonin transporter in romantic love. Psychiatry Research, 88(3), 167-177.
  • Miles, M. B., & Huberman, A. M. (1994). Qualitative data analysis: An expanded sourcebook. Sage Publications.
  • Sternberg, R. J. (1986). A triangular theory of love. Psychological Review, 93(2), 119-135.
  • Twenge, J. M., Sherman, R. A., & Wells, B. E. (2017). Declines in sexual activity among young adults. Psychological Science, 28(10), 1387-1397.
There are 22 citations in total.

Details

Primary Language English
Subjects Educational Psychology
Journal Section Research Articles
Authors

Ferah Diba Izgı 0009-0003-3048-0391

Early Pub Date March 26, 2025
Publication Date April 1, 2025
Submission Date December 19, 2024
Acceptance Date January 28, 2025
Published in Issue Year 2025 Volume: 7 Issue: 12

Cite

APA Izgı, F. D. (2025). The importance of love and affection in sexual relationships: An evaluation from psychological, biological, and sociological perspectives. Uluslararası Sosyal Bilimler Ve Eğitim Dergisi, 7(12), 46-58.

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Editor in Chief:  Prof. Dr. Aytekin DEMİRCİOĞLU