Study Identifies Four Distinct Types of Romantic Lovers

New research categorizes romantic relationships by intensity, commitment, and sexual frequency, revealing diverse patterns of love.

The study, conducted by researchers at the Australian National University, analyzed 809 young adults in romantic relationships for less than two years.
Participants were grouped into four categories: mild, moderate, intense, and libidinous lovers, based on intensity of love, obsessive thinking, commitment, and sexual frequency.
Moderate lovers, making up 40% of participants, were the largest group, characterized by moderate commitment and sexual activity, and relatively low intensity and obsessive thinking.
Libidinous lovers, representing under 10%, reported the highest sexual frequency—averaging 10 times a week and up to 20—alongside high intensity and commitment.
The study highlights cultural and behavioral variations in romantic love, with implications for understanding human mating and evolutionary psychology.