epublishing store: Intro

Sexual Health eBook Volume1
Chapter 3

Love and Sexual Health, Elaine Hatfield and Richard L. Rapson

Recently, scholars from a variety of academic disciplines—history, psychology, sociology, neurophysiology, and endrocrinology—have begun to explore the importance of love in sexual desire, sexual behavior, and sexual health. In this chapter, we set the stage by reviewing the historical and cultural forces that have shaped men and women’s romantic and sexual attitudes, feelings, and behavior. We begin by addressing the question with which we are most concerned: “What impact do passionate and companionate love, relationship quality, and commitment have on men and women’s sexual desire, sexual pleasure, and sexual health?” Next we discuss the impact of fairness and equity on sexual health. Then we ask, “Passionate and companionate love: how long do they last?” We conclude by speculating about the social changes that must occur in the lives of twenty-first century men and women if they are to enjoy full sexual citizenship and health.

DEFINING PASSIONATE AND COMPANIONATE LOVE

Love is a basic emotion. It comes in a variety of forms. Scholars, as well as laypeople, usually distinguish between two kinds of love— passionate love (being in love) and companionate love (loving). Most people understand the difference between being “in love” with someone and “loving” them. When besotted lovers hear the dreaded mantra, “I love you, but I’m not in love with you. Can’t we just be friends?” their hearts sink. Researchers find that this distinction resonates with men and women in a variety of nations, homosexual and heterosexual, single and married (Fehr, 1993; Hatfield & Rapson, 1993; Hendrick & Hendrick, 1989).

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