Passion can catch up with a person in middle and old age.
American psychologists from the Kinsey Institute have determined how many times in life a person is capable of experiencing strong, passionate love. The results of a large-scale study involving more than 10,000 single adults aged 18 to 99 have been published in the scientific journal Interpersona.
The researchers surveyed respondents from all states in the U.S. and found that 14 percent of participants had never experienced overwhelming infatuation. 28 percent experienced it once, 30 percent twice, 17 percent three times, and 11 percent admitted to falling in love more than three times. The average for the sample was 2.05 times in a lifetime.
Older individuals reported having "real" romantic feelings more often than younger people. This, according to the researchers, refutes the stereotype that strong love is the domain of youth. It turns out that passion can catch up with a person in middle and old age.
Gender analysis showed that men fall in love slightly more often than women on average, but the difference is statistically insignificant. Much more importantly, the authors emphasize, the findings will help doctors and psychologists better understand the connection between romantic experiences and the physical and mental health of patients.
The study is particularly relevant given that more than half of those surveyed (51 percent) feel more pressure today in their search for love than previous generations.
According to the researchers, the modern media environment creates inflated and often unrealistic expectations for relationships, which can lead to disappointment and loneliness even when there are several opportunities for strong feelings.
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