Glossary / Lexicon

Deutsch: Eifersucht / Español: Celos / Português: Ciúmes / Français: Jalousie / Italiano: Gelosia

Jealousy in psychology refers to a complex emotional response that arises when a person perceives a threat to a valued relationship or possession. It often involves feelings of insecurity, fear, and resentment and can occur in interpersonal, familial, or social contexts. Jealousy is distinct from envy, which is the desire for something someone else possesses, whereas jealousy usually involves a triadic relationship—a person, a rival, and a valued bond.

Description

In psychology, jealousy is understood as a multifaceted emotion with cognitive, emotional, and behavioural components. It is a natural human response but can become problematic when it leads to destructive thoughts or actions. Jealousy often arises in romantic relationships but can also occur in friendships, sibling dynamics, or workplace settings.

• Cognitive Aspects: Jealousy involves thoughts about a perceived or actual threat. This could be fear of losing a partner to a rival or suspicion of disloyalty. Cognitive distortions, such as overgeneralisation or catastrophising, can exacerbate jealousy.

• Emotional Aspects: Jealousy is typically accompanied by anxiety, sadness, or anger. These emotions may stem from feelings of inadequacy or fear of rejection.

• Behavioural Aspects: Jealous individuals may exhibit protective or defensive behaviours, ranging from communication and reassurance-seeking to controlling actions or confrontations.

Jealousy is influenced by various psychological and social factors, including attachment styles, self-esteem levels, and cultural norms. For example, individuals with insecure attachment may be more prone to jealousy due to heightened fears of abandonment. Similarly, societal values and expectations around relationships can shape how jealousy is experienced and expressed.

From an evolutionary perspective, jealousy may have adaptive functions. In romantic contexts, it could serve to protect pair bonds and ensure resource investment, while in familial or social settings, it may maintain group harmony by discouraging rivalry.

Special Considerations

Special Aspects of Jealousy in Relationships
While jealousy can signal care and commitment, excessive or irrational jealousy may harm relationships. It is often linked to possessiveness, trust issues, and conflict. Therapy, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), can help individuals manage jealousy by addressing distorted thoughts and enhancing emotional regulation.

Application Areas

• Romantic Relationships: Understanding jealousy dynamics to strengthen trust and communication between partners.
• Family Systems: Addressing sibling rivalry or parental jealousy to improve family harmony.
• Organisational Psychology: Studying workplace jealousy to reduce conflicts and promote collaboration.
• Social Psychology: Examining how cultural norms and social media influence jealousy in modern relationships.
• Clinical Psychology: Treating pathological jealousy, which can lead to obsessive or harmful behaviours.

Well-Known Examples

• Romantic Jealousy: A partner feeling threatened by another person’s closeness to their significant other.
• Sibling Rivalry: A child feeling jealous of a sibling due to perceived preferential treatment by parents.
• Social Media Jealousy: Individuals experiencing envy or suspicion over partners’ or friends’ interactions on platforms like Instagram or Facebook.

Risks and Challenges

Potential Risks and Challenges of Jealousy

• Pathological Jealousy: Extreme jealousy, often linked to obsessive behaviours or delusions, can lead to relationship breakdowns or abuse.
• Impact on Mental Health: Chronic jealousy may contribute to anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem.
• Relationship Strain: Excessive jealousy can erode trust and communication, fostering conflict and dissatisfaction.

Similar Terms

• Envy: The desire for something someone else possesses, distinct from jealousy, which involves fear of loss.
• Possessiveness: Behaviour aimed at controlling or limiting another person's interactions or independence.
• Suspicion: A feeling or belief that someone may act disloyally or harm a valued relationship.

Summary

In psychology, jealousy is a complex emotion arising from perceived threats to valued relationships or possessions. While it can serve adaptive purposes, excessive jealousy often leads to negative outcomes, including mental health challenges and strained relationships. Understanding and managing jealousy through psychological insights and interventions can foster healthier interactions and emotional well-being.

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