Jealousy is a complex human emotion that most people experience at some point in their lives. From romantic relationships to workplace dynamics, jealousy can emerge in various contexts and often causes discomfort. While jealousy is typically seen as a normal emotion, persistent or intense jealousy may signal deeper psychological concerns. This blog explores whether jealousy qualifies as a psychological problem, supported by research, clinical perspectives, and therapeutic insights.
What is Jealousy?
A complicated emotional reaction to a perceived danger to a treasured relationship or possession is the common definition of jealousy. It usually involves a triangular dynamicâthe self, the valued other, and a perceived rival. Jealousy incorporates multiple emotions, including fear, anger, sadness, and anxiety. According to Parrott (1991), jealousy is not a single emotion but a “complex of interrelated feelings.” It often arises in close relationships, especially when individuals feel insecure or fear loss.
Characteristics of Jealousy
Jealousy is defined as a complex emotional response to a perceived threat to a valued relationship or social position. It typically involves fear of loss, anger, insecurity, and resentment.
Key characteristics of jealousy include:
- Triangular relationship: A jealous individual, a valued other, and a rival.
- Emotional intensity: Jealousy blends multiple emotions like sadness, anger, fear, and humiliation (Parrott, 1991).
- Perceived threat: Often based on subjective interpretations rather than objective reality.
- Protective motivation: Jealousy may prompt defensive or controlling behavior to protect a relationship.
- Although jealousy can prompt self-reflection and relationship growth when addressed constructively, it can also lead to irrational behavior and emotional distress when unmanaged.
Types of Jealousy
Research and clinical literature identify various types of jealousy, each with distinct psychological implications:
- Romantic Jealousy:- Fear of a partnerâs emotional or sexual involvement with another person. It is one of the most studied and emotionally intense forms.
- Sibling or Family Jealousy:- Common in children and sometimes persists into adulthood, often linked to perceived favouritism or unequal treatment.
- Friendship Jealousy:-Involves feelings of exclusion, especially when a close friend forms new bonds.
- Workplace Jealousy:- Stems from perceived threats to status, recognition, or opportunity (Vecchio, 2000).
- Pathological (Morbid) Jealousy:-An obsessive, irrational form often associated with delusional thinking, such as Othello Syndrome, where one believes a partner is unfaithful without evidence (Mullen, 1991).
What Causes Jealousy?
There are many intricate interactions between psychological, social, and evolutionary elements that lead to jealousy.
- Attachment Style:-According to Bowlbyâs Attachment Theory, individuals with insecure attachment styles (especially anxious-preoccupied) are more prone to jealousy due to fear of abandonment and low self-worth (Mikulincer & Shaver, 2007).
- Low Self-Esteem  đeople who doubt their own worth or attractiveness may be more susceptible to jealousy, interpreting neutral events as threats.
- Cognitive Distortions:-Jealousy is often linked with irrational beliefs, such as “If they love someone else, they can’t love me” or “I’m easily replaceable” (Beck, 1976).
- Past Experiences:-Trauma, betrayal, or abandonment in early life or past relationships can increase sensitivity to perceived threats in current relationships.
- Evolutionary Roots:-According to Buss (1992), jealousy may have evolved as a mate-guarding strategy to protect reproductive opportunities and long-term bonds. While emotional infidelity tends to elicit a stronger response in women, sexual infidelity is more likely to cause sorrow in males.
Complications of Jealousy
While mild jealousy can be manageable, uncontrolled or chronic jealousy can lead to serious complications, including:
- Relationship Breakdown:-Persistent jealousy often erodes trust and fosters controlling or accusatory behaviour, leading to relational dissatisfaction or breakup.
- Aggression and Violence:-Studies have shown that jealousy is a significant contributor to domestic violence and homicide (White & Mullen, 1989). In extreme cases, pathological jealousy can lead to stalking or physical harm.
- Mental Health Deterioration:-Intense jealousy may increase risks of an obsessive-compulsive behaviour, especially if left unaddressed.
- Social Isolation:-Jealous individuals may withdraw or push others away out of fear or distrust, impairing their social functioning and emotional well-being.
Jealousy and Mental Health
Although jealousy itself is not a psychiatric condition, when it persists or becomes unreasonable, it can be a sign of or a factor in mental health problems.
Associated Mental Health Conditions:
- Delusional Disorder (Jealous Type):-Also known as Othello Syndrome, where individuals harbour fixed false beliefs about a partnerâs infidelity without evidence (Mullen, 1991).
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD):-Jealousy-related obsessions may resemble OCD, involving repetitive doubts and compulsive checking behaviours.
- Paranoid Personality Disorder:-Jealousy can stem from chronic mistrust and suspicion, hallmark features of this personality disorder.
- Depression and Anxiety:-Constant jealousy can feed into negative self-image and chronic worry, intensifying symptoms of anxiety and depressive disorders.
Diagnostic Challenges:
Because jealousy exists on a spectrumâfrom normal to pathologicalâclinicians must assess intensity, frequency, and impact on functioning to determine if psychological intervention is needed.
Managing and Treating Jealousy
When jealousy interferes with mental health or daily functioning, psychological support becomes essential.
Evidence-Based Therapies:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT):-CBT helps individuals recognise and reframe irrational thoughts and beliefs that fuel jealousy, enhancing emotional regulation and relationship trust (Beck, 1976).
- Emotion Regulation Therapy:-Focuses on helping individuals manage strong emotional reactions by increasing emotional awareness and coping flexibility.
- Mindfulness-Based Therapy:-Mindfulness practices can reduce the emotional reactivity associated with jealousy by grounding individuals in the present moment.
- Couples Therapy:- For jealousy rooted in relationship dynamics, therapy helps improve communication, rebuild trust, and establish healthy boundaries.
- Schema Therapy:- Explores childhood patterns and unmet needs that influence adult emotional reactions like jealousy.
Conclusion
While jealousy is a natural human emotion, excessive, irrational, or persistent jealousy can escalate into a psychological concern, often rooted in deeper emotional struggles like low self-worth, insecure attachment styles, or unresolved trauma. Left unaddressed, it can lead to strained relationships, anxiety, and emotional instability.
Recognising when jealousy becomes disruptive is key. Through therapy, emotional regulation, and healthy communication, individuals can better understand their triggers, manage their reactions, and build more secure, fulfilling connections.
For those experiencing emotional disconnection or struggling to build or repair relationships due to jealousy, professional support can make a world of difference. The Psychowellness Centre, located in Janakpuri and Dwarka Sector-17, offers in-person counselling with experienced therapists, including some of the best psychologists near me, who specialise in relationship counselling, emotional wellness, and behavioural challenges. For more flexible and private support, TalktoAngel provides online couples’ therapy and individual counselling, accessible from the comfort of your home.
Contribution: Dr. R.K. Suri, a clinical psychologist, and Ms. Sheetal Chauhan, a counselling psychologist
References
- Buss, D. M. (1992). Sex differences in jealousy: Evolution, physiology, and psychology. Psychological Science, 3(4), 251â255. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9280.1992.tb00038.x
- Mikulincer, M., & Shaver, P. R. (2007). Attachment in adulthood: Structure, dynamics, and change. Guilford Press.
- Mullen, P. E. (1991). Jealousy: The pathology of passion. British Journal of Psychiatry, 158(5), 593â601.
- Parrott, W. G. (1991). The emotional experiences of envy and jealousy. In P. Salovey (Ed.), The psychology of jealousy and envy (pp. 3â30). Guilford Press.
- Vecchio, R. P. (2000). Negative emotion in the workplace: Employee jealousy and envy. International Journal of Stress Management, 7(3), 161â179. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1009592430712