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Extending the motivational model of love: A Goal-Directed Predictive Processing perspective

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 May 2026

Pieter Van Dessel Open the ORCID record for Pieter Van Dessel [Opens in a new window]  and
Yannick Boddez
Pieter Van Dessel*
Affiliation:
Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium Pieter.VanDessel@UGent.be https://pvandessel.ugent.be/
Yannick Boddez
Affiliation:
Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium Pieter.VanDessel@UGent.be https://pvandessel.ugent.be/
*
*Corresponding author.
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Abstract

We extend Kruglanski et al.’s model by embedding it within a Goal-Directed Predictive Processing framework. This perspective conceptualizes romantic love as arising from self-referential inferences tied to personal goals and reveals that love may include merit, appreciation, and significance, but is not defined or limited by them. It also explains love experiences that exceed the scope of the authors’ model.

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Type
Open Peer Commentary
Information
Behavioral and Brain Sciences , Volume 49 , 2026 , e19
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Copyright
© The Author(s), 2026. Published by Cambridge University Press

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