Infatuation

Paul W. Eastwick, Eli J Finkel

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingEntry for encyclopedia/dictionary

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.
Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationEncyclopedia of Human Relationships
EditorsHarry T. Reis, Susan Sprecher
Place of PublicationThousand Oaks, CA
PublisherSAGE Publications, Inc
Pages843-846
Number of pages4
Volume3
ISBN (Electronic)9781412958479
ISBN (Print)9781412958462
StatePublished - 2009

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