Attachment Styles vs Love Styles — Which Test to Choose?
Attachment theory (Bowlby, Ainsworth) describes how early relationships with caregivers shape our bonding patterns. The test here uses the adult model of Bartholomew and Horowitz, with four styles: secure, anxious-preoccupied, dismissive-avoidant, and fearful-avoidant. These patterns influence all close relationships in adult life.
Love styles theory (Lee) classifies romantic preferences into six types: Eros (passion), Ludus (playful), Storge (friendship), Pragma (practical), Mania (obsessive), and Agape (selfless). The test here measures five of them — all except Mania. The theory describes how we love, not why.
Attachment explains deeper relational mechanisms (fear of rejection, avoidance of intimacy), while love styles describe preferences and behaviors in romantic relationships.
When to use: Attachment Style Assessment
- You want to understand your deep relational patterns
- You struggle with intimacy or fear of rejection
- You're curious how childhood affects adult relationships
When to use: Love Styles — Lee's Love Scale (15 items)
- You want to discover your romantic style
- You're interested in how you express love
- You're looking for a light test about relationship preferences
Not sure? Take both tests!