The green-eyed monster: is jealousy healthy in dating and married relationships?

Abstract

The current study examines the relationship of gender, relationship status, relationship satisfaction, love and self-esteem with romantic jealousy. The sample includes 189 participants (Females = 122; Males = 67). Of these, 114 participants were in a dating relationship while 75 were married. Participants filled out an online form comprising of three scales: Multidimensional Jealousy Scale (Pffiefer & Wong, 1989); Sternberg Triangular Love Scale (Sternberg, 1988); Rosenberg self-esteem scale (Rosenberg, 1965). Relationship Satisfaction was assessed using a single item adapted from ‘Satisfaction Level Facet and Global Items’ (Rusbult, Martz & Agnew, 1998). Subsequently, interviews were held with 10 participants (5 married, 5 dating), who scored the highest score on jealousy. Data was analysed using t tests and correlations. No significant gender differences in terms of jealousy are found. Participants in dating relationships were higher on overall jealousy, cognitive jealousy and behavioural jealousy, than married individuals. Correlational analysis shows significant negative associations of relationship satisfaction with overall and cognitive jealousy. Love is negatively correlated with cognitive jealousy. Emotional jealousy and love have a significant positive link. Self-esteem is negatively associated with all dimensions of jealousy. Further, four themes emerge after qualitative analysis of interviews with: Origin of jealousy; Social media; Reactive, anxious and possessive jealousy; Role of relationship rewards.