What Causes Jealousy?

GoodTherapy | What Causes Jealousy?In the spectrum of human emotions, jealousy is almost certainly one of the most complex, frustrating, and uncomfortable. This cocktail of anger, sadness, suspicion, and envy can destroy relationships, cause bouts of depression and anxiety, and even lead to serious violence or—in extreme cases—homicide. While jealousy and envy are sometimes used synonymously, jealousy refers to the fear of losing someone or something you value, while envy is resentment over something you don’t have but want. Jealousy is probably a hard-wired emotion that humans have developed through evolution. Evolutionary psychologists have written extensively about the role jealousy plays in mating strategies. But even emotions with genetic underpinnings only manifest in certain environments, and there are several factors that make jealousy more likely to surface.

Fear of Being Replaced

People don’t normally experience jealousy unless they feel threatened by another person or entity. Sibling jealousy is usually caused by a child’s fear that the parents will replace him or her with a new sibling or love another sibling more. In romantic relationships, jealousy is typically triggered by a third party. The third party doesn’t have to actually pose a threat; the mere perception of a threat is enough to get the wheels of jealousy turning.

Individual Psychological Factors

Like almost every other emotion and relationship problem, jealousy is heavily affected by individual factors. Past experience can increase a person’s likelihood of being jealous. An adult whose parents modeled jealousy may tend more toward jealousy, and a person who has been betrayed by a lover might be more prone to suspicion. Traits such as anxiety can also affect jealousy. People who tend to worry a lot are more likely to worry about losing a loved one.

Relationship Quality

Some people are more prone to jealousy than others, but virtually everyone is more jealous in an unstable or unloving relationship. After all, jealousy is centered on the fear of losing someone. If you’re unsure of your spouse’s love or your child is unclear whether you love him or her as much as a new sibling, jealousy is much more likely to become explosive. Indeed, in relationships that are already troubled, jealousy may be the final nail. Because jealousy is heavily influenced by the quality of a relationship, practicing loving communication and taking time out for one another is an excellent way to protect against severe jealousy.

The unique dynamics of a relationship can also affect jealous feelings. When there’s a mismatch in relationship styles, it can be a recipe for jealousy. Attachment plays a significant role in jealousy, and people with insecure attachment styles can be more jealous than people who are securely attached. For example, a husband who needs a lot of attention and reassurance might be more prone to jealousy if his wife tends to like her personal space. A highly social husband might make his more introverted wife jealous, particularly if she’s not used to having the large number of close relationships he has.

Preventing Jealousy

Jealousy is not always a negative emotion. It can alert you to a deficit in your relationship and help you become mindful of potential outside threats. After all, sometimes you really are in danger of losing your mate. But when jealousy takes over or occurs for no apparent reason, it can be highly destructive. Couples experiencing problems with jealousy may benefit from couples therapy. Other ways to minimize jealousy include:

  • Talking directly and openly about feelings
  • Discussing strategies to minimize jealousy
  • Practicing honesty in interpersonal relationships
  • Examining whether the jealousy is caused by external or internal factors
  • Working to improve lacking elements within the relationship
  • Taking time to make the other person feel special and valued

References:

  1. Allen, J. (2000). Romantic jealousy: The role of attachment style and social comparison processes in the violent expression of romantic jealousy. Leicester: University of Leicester.
  2. Springer, S. (n.d.). Jealousy is a dangerous sword. Clinical Psychology Associates. Retrieved from http://cpancf.com/articles_files/jealousyinrelationships.asp

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  • Bea

    December 16th, 2012 at 9:46 AM

    For me, the times in my life when I have felt the most jealous have been times when I really wasn’t feeling all the good about myself. I am either having a bad self esteem day, or there is something going on that is making me feel like I am less than someone else. I hate it when those feelings creep in and then totally impact hjow I feel about other people or different situations, but I think that for most of us this is pretty inevitable. It is only when you are feeling really strong and good about yourself that you are able to push those feelings of jealousy aside and be happy for others and for what you have.

  • Lucille T Mcquarters

    December 12th, 2019 at 8:49 AM

    Thankyou that makes sence

  • W.N

    December 16th, 2012 at 2:24 PM

    A former relationship has made me extremely vulnerable to jealousy. Now whenever I am in a relationship the slightest of things can start the J route for me. I just can’t help it.

    I try to stay away from relationships but the warmth and good feeling that one provides is something I miss. But when I am in one the jealousy makes it hard to sustain. Being open about what I feel could make a partner run away from me. I have no clue as to what I should do, so any advice that works in this situation would be much appreciated..

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