Starting your PSYM106: Love, Lust, and Loss course in the UK? It’s good to know that these themes go beyond just romance or heartbreak, they reflect how we grow emotionally through adulthood and aging. If you’re getting ready for your psychology assignment, this quick guide shares helpful insights based on research and real-life experience.

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Love: From Passion to Emotional Depth

Early Adulthood (20s–30s): Love at this stage is intense, fresh, and exciting, what Sternberg calls “romantic love.” It’s full of passion and closeness, but might not yet have long-term commitment. Think of a relationship that started thrilling but lost its spark over time.

Midlife (30s–50s): Relationships become steadier, built on shared goals, respect, and emotional connection. Parenting and work can challenge love, but emotional closeness usually grows.

Fun fact: Research shows that while relationship satisfaction may dip in midlife, intimacy often gets stronger.

Later Life (60+): Love shifts toward companionship, security, and loyalty. Older adults focus on meaningful bonds more than appearance or passion.

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Lust: More Than Just Physical

Lust in Youth: Fueled by hormones like testosterone and dopamine, lust is strongest in young adulthood. But mental health, confidence, and relationship satisfaction also play a role.

Midlife & Beyond: Sexual desire may change in your 40s and 50s due to hormonal shifts like menopause or lower testosterone. Still, intimacy often becomes more emotionally fulfilling, with better communication and connection.

Later Life Intimacy: Yes, older adults still value physical closeness. Emotional intimacy takes the spotlight, focusing on trust, touch, and affection. Sadly, society often overlooks this, leaving many feeling invisible.

Psych Tip: Socioemotional Selectivity Theory explains that as we age, we prioritise emotionally meaningful relationships over shallow ones.

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Loss: Navigating Life’s Emotional Changes

Early & Midlife Loss: Whether it’s a breakup, losing a job, or death, loss in your 20s to 50s often leads to deep reflection. You might wonder, “Am I where I thought I’d be?”

Later Life Grief: Older adults face bigger losses like losing a spouse or health issues. Yet, they usually cope better emotionally, finding new routines and meaning.

Grief isn’t a straight path, it doesn’t follow fixed stages. The Dual Process Model (Stroebe & Schut, 1999) shows we move back and forth between facing loss and adapting to life.

Final Thoughts

Love grows deeper, lust changes, and loss shapes us. These experiences don’t stop with age, they evolve with us. As a psychology student, understanding this emotional journey is key to your learning and future career.

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PSYM106 Insights: Love, Lust & Loss Through Adulthood