Love languages lack empirical support: Study
A recent study by the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) has cast doubt on the widely accepted concept of "love languages." The researchers scrutinized ten relationship science studies and discovered a lack of "strong empirical support" for the idea, which was initially introduced by Baptist minister Gary Chapman in his 1992 book The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts. Critics have long questioned the theory, with some even labeling it as "Christian propaganda."
What are love languages?
Love languages represent the diverse ways individuals express and interpret love. This framework identifies five primary love languages: words of affirmation; acts of service; receiving gifts; quality time; and physical touch. It emphasizes the importance of expressing love in ways that are most impactful to the recipient, fostering emotional intimacy and harmony in relationships. Each person has a unique combination of these languages that resonate with them the most.
Criticisms of love languages theory
The research team, headed by UTM psychologist Emily Impett, found it unclear whether the five love languages genuinely provide a useful framework for understanding how people express and experience love. Impett, who also directs UTM's Relationships and Well-Being Laboratory, explained that Chapman's quiz, which helps people identify their primary love language, forces them to choose between expressions of love they find most significant. However, in reality, people consider all aspects described by the love languages as crucial in a relationship.
What the research claims
According to the study, love languages might not be limited to five mediums. There might be other meaningful ways of expressing love that are not captured by the love languages. The researchers argue against the idea that speaking the same love language leads to greater relationship quality. It is revealed that expressions of all love languages were associated with relationship satisfaction regardless of a person's preference.
New metaphor for relationships
Instead of relying on love languages, the researchers proposed a different metaphor: "a healthy, balanced diet." They argue that this analogy better conveys the idea that individuals require various essential elements to maintain fulfilling relationships. "Love is not akin to a language one needs to learn to speak but can be more appropriately understood as a balanced diet in which people need a full range of essential nutrients to cultivate lasting love," the study says.
