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Seeking significance from significant others: Rethinking romantic love

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 May 2026

Virgil Zeigler-Hill Open the ORCID record for Virgil Zeigler-Hill [Opens in a new window]
Virgil Zeigler-Hill*
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, Oakland University, Rochester, MI, USA zeiglerh@oakland.edu https://www.zeigler-hill.com/
*
*Corresponding author.
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Abstract

Kruglanski et al.’s model redefines love as a pathway to personal significance, offering a compelling new lens through which to understand romantic relationships. This commentary explores the model’s implications for areas of the literature, including mate value, attachment styles, self-esteem, and narcissism. It also outlines promising directions for future research, emphasizing love’s role in fulfilling the need to feel significant.

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Type
Open Peer Commentary
Information
Behavioral and Brain Sciences , Volume 49 , 2026 , e22
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Copyright
© The Author(s), 2026. Published by Cambridge University Press

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