According to Rubin (1970), love is an attitude that combines three compounds such as intimacy, protection and commitment. In the following years, Berscheid and Walster’s (1974) passionate love, Walster and Walster’s (1978) classification of passionate love and friendship love are among the most comprehensive and the most significant social psychological studies carried out on love. Passionate love is associated with profound desire for being together with the other person, intensive physical arouse (temperature, sweating, dizziness etc.), feeling emptiness in case of a separation with that person and having anxiety. Friendship love is defined as an emotional state which includes endeavoring for the happiness of the other person, taking care of that person, sharing self-disclosure behaviors and experiences correlatively, understanding, compassion, protection, sympathy and deep affection (Hatfield, 1988).

Another frequently mentioned model in the literature is Sternberg’s (1986) triangular theory of love. According to this model, love has three important elements. These are passion, intimacy and commitment. Sternberg implied that these components of love can be regarded as a three sided triangle. For this reason, his theory was named as triangular theory of love. According to Sternberg, passion, intimacy and commitment remain in all love relationships at different levels (Cited in Büyük?ahin, 2006).

In the literature, it is seen that most of love-related studies are focused on positive emotions of being in love. The findings of the studies on this subject revealed that there are relations at significant levels between positive emotions such as love and happiness, appreciation and satisfaction(cited in Özer and Tezer, 2008) and that love is one of the most important factors which predicts one’s state of being well (Masuda, 2003). In addition, it is also seen that there is a relationship between love and negative emotions/psychological state. In the theory of Berscheid and Walster, it was implied that even unpleasant emotional experiences will become a stimulus in love and if they are referred as convenient parts of being in love, they will strengthen the passionate love experience. Therefore, fear, being rejected, being precluded and being opposed might contribute to the emotion of love invariably (Cited in Atkinson, 1999). In the study conducted by Büyük?ahin and Hovardao?lu (2004), love attitudes of couples were analyzed. Researchers obtained the findings that men are more altruistic than women, yet there was not a significant difference between women and men concerning other styles of love. They found a positive relationship between the happiness of  couples  and  altruistic  and  passionate love styles, and a negative relationship between game-playing love styles. Especially stupid love (passion and commitment elements), which is a type of love, is a Hollywood style love; in which two people meet each other the way we see it in the movies and soon after they get married. Evolved in time, intimacy is disregarded; a commitment based only on passion is established. They put passion onto the basis of their relationships; yet when the passion decays, they get disappointed. Possessive love (Mania) is a jealous, insecure, obsessive, and slightly pathologic type of love as well. Possessive lovers are in tendency of being insecure about their relationships and they live with the constant fear of losing the partner. Even if the relationship is problematic, people with passionate love usually fail to end it; it is generally the partner who ends the relationship (Büyük?ahin, 2004).

Another phenomenon that predicts strong emotions on the individual is depression. Depression is one of the most common disorders among mental illnesses. Due to the different research methods, the conducted data related to frequency and prevalence of depression differentiates. The frequency of depression generally may vary between 9 and 20% and risk of lifelong depression may vary between 8 and 12 % among men, 20  and 26%  among women (Öztürk, 2004). The word ‘depression’ in Western languages can be used to define an emotion, a cluster of indication or a manifestation that has diagnosis criteria (Favazza, 1985). Cognitive approach does not accept that causes of depression come from outside. Beck (1967) who stated that depression is a thought disorder more than an feeling, emphasized that evaluating self as worthless, world as meaningless and future as hopeless are the primary elements of depression. According to Beck, negative and decayed mentality, ideas and symbols form the roots of depression (cited in, Boyac?o?lu, 1994). According to this theory, the depressed person feels worthless, insufficient, holds oneself responsible for negative situations and thinks he/she is not liked by others. He/she perceives the relationships with others and experiences in a negative way, thinks that world is full of difficulties that are impossible to overcome. He/she also perceives future as a dark, in failure expectancy and a hopeless state (Sava??r and Y?ld?z, 1996).

A study examining the relationship between love, which has been examined with its various aspects in the field of psychology in recent years, and depression that is frequently seen in the society is not conducted in our country so far. The inception of this study is to support the forthcoming and similar studies, and to regard the subject as being current.

The general purpose of this study is to determine the relationship between love attitudes of university students and   their   depression   levels.  In accordance with  this purpose, these are the sub-purposes to be answered:

a)         Is there any relationship between university students’ styles of attitude towards love (including sub-scales) and their depression levels?

b)        Do university students’ styles of attitude towards love and depression levels differentiate according to their gender, age, type of universities and previous love experience?

Model of study

In this study, relational survey model was used to describe evaluating university students’ attitudes towards love and their depression levels (Karasar, 1999). Relational survey model was used to examine the university students’ attitudes towards love and depression levels in the study.

Study group

The study group consists of 125 male, 275 female students, in total 400 bachelor and master students in Marmara University and Maltepe University in 2010-2011 academic year. 

Data collection instruments

In order to collect data; personal information form, Love Attitudes Scale (short form), and Beck Depression Inventory were used in the study. 

Personal information form

The form was structured by the researcher aiming to ascertain the demographic features of the university students that participated in the study group.

Love Attitudes Scale (Short Form)

Based on Lee’s (1973) love styles, Love Attitudes Scale: Short Form (LAS) was developed by Hendrick et al. (1998) to determine love styles of people’s relationships (Büyük?ahin and Hovardao?lu, 2004). LAS Short Form measured six different love styles as passionate love, friendship love, game-playing love, possessive love, practical love and altruistic love. LAS consists of 24 items, four of them measure each type of love style. The subscales of LAS (short form) consisted of three-item or four-item were obtained by factor analysis in three different studies. Cronbach Alpha reliability coefficient of the subscales range from 0.62 to 0.88 regarding each of the sub-dimension and all of them are significant (Büyük?ahin and Hovardao?lu, 2004). In conclusion, the studies related to the reliability, validity and Turkish adaptation of LAS Short Form indicated that the scale has the required qualifications to be used in studies. Along with psychometric properties, it is also practical for application; therefore, “Love Attitudes Scale: Short Form” was preferred to be used in this study.        

Beck Depression Inventory

Developed by Beck (et al., 1961), Beck Depression Inventory is  the most frequently used self-report scale in depression studies. There are two types of BDI: the first is the original 21-question form was developed in 1961 and evaluated the patients’ present mood together with patient and clinician. The second 21-question form was developed in 1978 and it is a self-evaluation form and can be applied into groups (cited in Do?an, 2006). Nesrin Hisli ?ahin adapted Beck Depression Inventory into Turkish and developed the Turkish Form. Hisli (1988) conducted a validity survey of Beck Depression Inventory with Turkish university students. The studies conducted in both Turkey and abroad indicated that Beck Depression Inventory is a reliable and valid instrument.

Data analysis  

After collecting data, “Beck Depression Inventory” and “Love Attitudes Scale” was scored. Incomplete and incorrect forms were not put to scoring process. SPSS for Windows 16.00 package program was used to analyze and interpret the data collected form “Personal Information Form”, “Beck Depression Inventory” and “Love Attitudes Scale”. 

The range of demographic variables of the students that participated in the study is shown in Table 1. 

love attitudes (r=,0,50). In other words, the more students’ depression scores increase, the more their friendship love attitudes decrease though being statistically insignificant. Another finding showed that there was a statistically significant inverse relationship (p<,050)  between the students’ depression scores and  passionate  love attitudes styles (r= -,165) whereas there was a  statistically significant linear relationship between game-playing love attitudes and possessive love attitudes  (r= ,203). In other words, when students’ depression scores increase, their passionate love attitudes scores decrease; however, their game-playing love attitudes and possessive love attitudes scores statistically increase.

When Table 3 was examined, it was ascertained that there was no statistically significant differentiation between the groups according to the results of independent group t-test conducted to determine whether the students’ depression levels differentiate by their genders (p>,050).  That is to say, depression levels of the students do not differentiate by their gender.  

When Table 4 was examined, it was ascertained that there was no statistically significant differentiation between the groups according to the results of independent group t-test conducted to determine whether the students’ love attitudes styles (total, passionate, game-playing, friendship, practical, possessive and altruistic love sub-scales) differentiate by their genders (p>,050). In other words, the scores of students’ love attitudes styles (total, passionate, game-playing, friendship, practical, possessive and altruistic love sub-scales) do not differentiate statistically significant according to their genders. 

According to the results of Kruksal Wallis-H Test conducted on the purpose of determine whether the students’ depression levels are differentiated by their age or not, the difference among average scores of the groups was found as statistically insignificant (p>,05). In other words, the depression levels of students do not differentiate by their ages.

According to the results of Kruksal Wallis-H Test conducted to determine whether the students’ love attitudes styles (total, passionate, game-playing, friend-ship, practical, possessive and altruistic love sub-scales) differentiate by their age or not, the difference among average scores of the groups was found as statistically insignificant (p>,05). In other words, students’ love attitudes styles (total, passionate, game-playing, friend-ship, practical, possessive and altruistic love sub-scales) do not significantly differentiate from their ages (Table 6).

When Table 7 was examined, it was found out that there was no statistically significant differentiation between the groups according to the results of independent group t-test conducted to determine whether or not the students’ depression levels  differentiate by the types of universities (p>,050). In conclusion, depression levels of the students who participated in this research do not differentiate by the types of universities that they are studying at. 

When Table 8 was examined, it was indicated that there was no statistically significant differentiation between the groups according to the results of independent group t-test conducted to determine whether the students’ love attitudes styles (total, passionate, game-playing, friendship, practical, possessive and altruistic love sub-scales) differentiate by the types of universities (p>,050). In other words, the scores of students’ love attitudes styles (total, passionate, game-playing, friendship, practical, possessive and altruistic love sub-scales) do not differentiate statistically significant according to the types of university.  However, it was found out that the scores of students’ practical love attitudes statistically differentiate by the types of universities that they are going (p<,010). This differentiation resulted in favor of the students who have been educating in private universities. In other words, private university students have more significant practical love attitudes than the public university students.  

When Table 9 was examined, it was ascertained that there was statistically significant differentiation between the groups according to the results of independent group t-test conducted to determine whether the students’ depression levels differentiate by their previous love experiences (p<,050). This differentiation derived from the students that do not have any previous love experiences. In conclusion, students that do not have any previous love experiences have more significant depression levels than the ones who have previous love experiences.   

According to Table 10, it was found out that  there  was no statistically significant differentiation between the groups according to the results of independent group t-test conducted to determine whether the students’ love attitudes styles (total, passionate, game-playing, friendship, practical, possessive and altruistic love sub-scales) differentiate by their previous love experiences variables (p>,050). In other words, the scores of students’ love   attitudes   styles  (total,  passionate,  game-playing, friendship, practical, possessive and altruistic love sub-scales) do not differentiate statistically significant according to their previous love experiences.

Discussions concerning the findings obtained as a result of the conducted study and suggestions brought forward within this framework are covered below:

Linear yet statistically insignificant relationship was obtained between total depression and love attitude styles scores of students who participated in this survey. It was indicated that there was an inverse yet statistically insignificant relationship between students’ depression scores and friendship love attitudes scores. It was stated that there was a statistically inverse relationship between depression scores and passionate love attitude scores; and a statistically linear relationship between game-playing love attitudes and possessive love attitudes scores.

The results of the analysis conducted to examine the relationship between love styles and depression levels of students, a statistically significant inverse relationship between passionate love and depression level was obtained. When related literature was examined, Arnold and Thompson (1995) analyzed the relationship between love forms and personality disorders. People with passionate love types have lower scores on the depression scales. The findings coincide with the literature. When examining the literature, it was seen that Hatfield and Walster defined passionate love as the intensive desire for becoming a whole with one another. When it is a mutual feeling, it is correlated with sense of integration and pleasure. In cases of rejection, it causes emotions as emptiness, anxiety, jealousy, pain, and hopelessness. Consequently, passionate love is a profound state of psychological stimulus (Cited in  Curun, 2004). Be?tav (2007) also stated in her research that mostly passionate love style predicts relationship satisfaction of individuals. Therefore, having passionate love attitude, though it may cause negative psychological states on the individual, is a subsidiary for positive feelings as well.

The findings indicated that there is statistically significant linear relationship between the students’ depression levels and game-playing and possessive love attitude. In the study of Arnold and Thompson (1995), it was seen that people with possessive and game-playing love have higher scores in depression scales. When examining the literature which explains attitudes towards love, it can be seen that obtained results are concordant to a large extent. Game-playing love is the love that couples carefully control relationship stages by avoiding making long-term plans and giving promises. These types of people generally have more than one partner and their relationships are short-dated. Therefore, in this love type which is not regular and steady, it is subjected that individuals encounter many problems and life stress in time and these negative situations will cause them to become more prone to depression. However, possessive love attitude is a love type which can be characterized as excessive emotionality, jealousy and obsession. Individuals get jealous of their partners from real or unreal rivals and feel destroyed in case of a rejection. Most of the time, depression and tension cause their relationship to be deteriorated (Lee 1973; 1977). In the first study conducted by Büyük?ahin and Hovardao?lu (2004), they found a negative relationship between game-playing love style and the happiness of the couple. Be?tav (2007) stated that there was a linear relationship between game-playing love attitude and irrational beliefs (as it is found in depression cognitive dimension) in the study which analyzes the relationship between love attitudes and negative automatic thoughts. In the study of Düzgün (2009), it was determined that there is a negative relationship between romantic satisfaction in marriage and depression levels of partners.

In this study, it was stated that there was not a statistically significant difference in students’ depression scores among the groups by gender variable. Examining the studies, research and literature related to the subject, it was seen that there were findings both concordant and discordant with the obtained findings.  Some of the conducted studies (Koç, 2008; Yi?it and Y?lmaz, 2011; Çelik and Acar, 2007) presented findings as individuals’ depression levels do not differentiate by gender. Öngider and Eyüpo?lu (2013); Bingöl, Demir, and Karabek (2010) stated that depression is more common among women and Otac?o?lu (2008) stated that it is more common among men. All these findings give rise to the thought that depression is not a state only connected with the gender, and it finds meaning when different variables such as negative life-events, individual’s cognitive structures, financial characteristics are involved.

It was seen that students’ attitudes towards love do not differentiate by gender. Obtained findings are concordant with similar studies to a large extent. Büyük?ahin and Hovardao?lu (2004) examined the couples’ love attitudes. Researchers attained  the  findings  that  men  are   more altruistic than women, yet there was not a significant difference between men and women regarding the other love types. In her study examining love attitudes, Be?tav (2007) stated that love attitudes by gender do not show a significant difference. However, Tüfekçi (2008), Neto (1994), and Ercan (2008) attained the correlated findings in their studies that men have game-playing and altruistic love attitudes more than women, and there was not any difference in the other types of love. It can be suggested that these findings are correlated with the fact that women have more emotional personal characteristics and feel the emotions about love more effectively; men, on the other hand, experience this process without focusing to emotions too much.

It was seen that students’ depression level scores do not statistically differentiate by age variable. Studies conducted with several sample groups concerning this subject reveal different findings about the age variable. Eyüpo?lu (2009) stated that adolescents experience depression more deeply, Otac?o?lu (2008) and Koç (2008) stated that individuals’ depression levels do not differentiate by age, while Yi?it (2008) and Bingöl et al. (2010) stated that the more age increases, the depression level increases as well. With reference to the hypothesis that different dynamics become active in depression, it can be suggested that the variances in these findings were expectable. It was also found out that students’ love attitudes towards love do not differentiate by their ages.

It was seen that student’s depression scores do not statistically differentiate according to types of university. Depression is a problem which has cognitive, affective and behavioral dimensions (Köro?lu, 1997). Being a woman, an adolescent or elderly, low socio-economic level, being divorced or widow, having depression history in the family, stressful life-events are indicated as significant risk factors for major depression development (Savrun, 1999). As it can be seen in this information listed about depression, predictive variables of depresssion can happen in all settings and to all individuals.

It was seen that students' love attitudes also do not differentiate by university types. Yet, it was seen that university students' practical love attitude scores vary statistically by university types. This differentiation result-ed in favor of the students who have been educating in private universities.  Practical love is a love type which has historical origins such as arranged marriage or partnership can associated with finding a partner on the internet in the modern times. These type of people consider the other person’s education level, religion, age, family, friends, etc. before they involve in the relationship. They are loyal when they make a reasonable selection. Sexual intercourse is relatively insignificant (Lee, 1973, 1977). Examining the literature related to practical love, it is an expectable finding that love  attitudes  may  be  at  higher levels among private university students. Because, these individuals who are at a higher level in financial terms usually tend to prefer people at the same level as their own in love, as well and experience their emotional relationships in this state-of-mind.

Examining the  students' depression scores according to their previous love experiences, it was ascertained that depression levels of students that do not have any previous love experience is statistically higher at a significant level comparing to students that have a previous love experience. As a similar finding, in the study conducted by Eyüpo?lu (2009), it was found that married people experienced lower depression levels.

It was seen that students' love attitudes styles do not vary according to their previous love experiences. As a similar finding relating the subject, in the study conducted by Tüfekçi (2008) it was stated that individuals with an emotional relationship have passionate and altruistic love attitudes more than people with any emotional relationship. As for the other types of love, it does not differentiate according to the fact whether or not the individual has an emotional relationship. A parallel finding was subjected in this study as well.

In the context of obtained finding, the suggestions brought forward are presented below:

Love is a topic which human beings emphasize frequently in literary works and songs, and which occupies an individual’s agenda considerably at a certain stage of life with a few exceptions. In our country there is not adequate scientific study about love, which has various effects on mental health of an individual as it, is an excessive emotional state. It is considered that carrying out more scientific studies about love and love-related topics is important especially in the field of psychological counseling and guidance.

Love and love attitudes of individuals are the phenomena that involve what happened in an individual’s private life, and although it is tried to be identified, they are known as to be personally identifiable. Therefore, it can be suggested that it is essential to support qualitative research with quantitative research in order to be able to reach excessive information about love.

The author(s) have not declared any conflict of interests.