Original language | English (US) |
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Title of host publication | Encyclopedia of Human Relationships |
Editors | Harry T. Reis, Susan Sprecher |
Place of Publication | Thousand Oaks, CA |
Publisher | SAGE Publications, Inc |
Pages | 843-846 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Volume | 3 |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9781412958479 |
ISBN (Print) | 9781412958462 |
State | Published - 2009 |
Abstract
Infatuation is a state characterized by intense feelings of passion toward a specific individual. The term infatuation typically refers to the early stages of romantic love, before the infatuated individual has had a chance to get to know or develop an intimate relationship with the love object. Colloquially, infatuation is frequently associated with youth and suggests an irrational, capricious approach to love. Although some consider infatuation to be a special, perhaps early or intense form of passionate love, researchers often use the term infatuation interchangeably with passion, passionate love, limerence, or being in love. Therefore, this entry reviews research and theory on infatuation and these associated terms.