A voice in the minds of love addicts: textual analysis of clinical interviews

This study explores the subjective experience of Love Addiction (LA) and addressed the lack of qualitative tools. Study 1 reviewed literature, finding limited clinical research and no validated LA-specific instruments. Study 2 developed and validated the Love Addiction Interview (LAI), a semi-structured tool tested on 33 clinical patients. Thematic and psychodynamic analyses revealed key emotional dimensions, ego-dystonicity, and relational distress. Results support the LAI’s clinical value for case formulation and highlight its potential for integrating qualitative and quantitative approaches. This work offers a preliminary foundation for advancing research and practice in understanding and addressing LA.