The meaning of love and its bittersweet nature.

Journal: International review of psychiatry (Abingdon, England)

Volume: 35

Issue: 1

Year of Publication: 2023

Affiliated Institutions:  Department of Psychology, Trent University, Peterborough, Canada. Department of Industrial Psychology and People Management, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, South Africa.

Abstract summary 

Love is the core of human experience and central to our meaning in life and wellbeing, yet it is also a complex concept full of ambiguity and contradiction. The main purpose of this paper is fourfold: Firstly, we want to clarify questions such as 'What is the meaning of love?' and 'Why is meaning of love so important to us?' Secondly, we want to explain why love is both suffering and essential for our happiness and mental health. Thirdly, we identify the major types of love and clarify which types are constructive and which are destructive. We also identify the key dimensions of true love. Finally, we emphasise that love does not always mean happiness; rather, it is meant to be a school to teach us important lessons and to make us complete. Therefore, we need to embrace suffering and at the same time cultivate the constructive types of love to improve our mental health and to make the world a more compassionate place.

Authors & Co-authors:  Wong Paul T P PTP Mayer Claude-Hélène CH

Study Outcome 

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Statistics
Citations : 
Authors :  2
Identifiers
Doi : 10.1080/09540261.2023.2173001
SSN : 1369-1627
Study Population
Male,Female
Mesh Terms
Humans
Other Terms
Meaning of love;agape;constructive love;cross-cultural differences;destructive love;harmony;love is suffering;mental health;taxonomy of love;wellbeing
Study Design
Cross Sectional Study
Study Approach
Country of Study
Publication Country
England