Page 162 - ILIAS ATHANASIADIS AKA RO1

Jealousy

Jealousy generally refers to the thoughts or feelings of insecurity, fear, and

concern over a relative lack of possessions or safety. Jealousy can consist of one
or more emotions such as anger, resentment, inadequacy, helplessness or disgust.

Jealousy is often thought of in the context of romantic relationships: a boyfriend

who forbids his girlfriend from talking to other men, for instance, or a person who
can’t stand to see her old flame post pictures with a new partner on Facebook.

But the feeling can occur in almost every type of human relationship—from

siblings competing for parental attention to coworkers trying to impress a
respected boss.

Although jealousy is a painful emotional experience, evolutionary psychologists

regard it not as an emotion to be suppressed but as one to heed—as a signal or a
wake-up call that a valued relationship is in danger and that steps need to be taken

to regain the affection of a mate or friend.

As a result, jealousy is seen as a necessary emotion, because it preserves social
bonds and motivates people to engage in behaviors that maintain important

relationships.

Why am I so jealous?

Research has identified many root causes of extreme jealousy, including low self-
esteem, high neuroticism, and feeling possessive of others, particularly romantic
partners. Fear of abandonment is also a key motivator.

Are men more jealous than women?

Men and women both feel jealousy. Some evidence suggests that in the context of
romantic relationships, men feel greater jealousy about sexual infidelity