The Psycho-Economic Model of Love Dynamics

Abstract

The psycho-economic model of love dynamics comes from the economic point of view of metapsychology. This model postulates that each individual is endowed with a quasi-stable libidinal energy, in motion in his or her love relationships. Its main phases are: investment, self-disinvestment; overinvestment; loss of drive object; divestment; the disinvestment of the instinctual object; self-investment and reinvestment. It has several implications in individual, marital and family affective life. This model is mainly used here in the context of romantic disappointments, in particular prevention and restoration.