Revisiting the Five Love Languages Framework: Toward a More Flexible Model of Love Expression

Despite the widespread popularity of Chapman's Five Love Languages framework, empirical support for its core claims remains limited. In a preregistered study of 499 individuals in long-term, cohabiting relationships, we examined whether having a primary love language—and receiving love in that preferred way—predicted higher relationship quality and perceived partner love. Findings failed to support Chapman's key claims: less than half of participants had an identifiable primary love language, and satisfaction with a partner's expression of that behavior was no stronger a predictor of relationship quality than satisfaction with other love language behaviors. Instead, relationship quality was more strongly linked to satisfaction across a wider range of loving behaviors. Verbal affirmations, Encouragement for Individual Pursuits, Support during Difficult Times, and accountability emerged as especially robust predictors. These findings challenge Chapman's core claims and call for a shift in relationship interventions toward promoting diverse, flexible expressions of love.