Predicting Jealous Responses: The Influence of Adult Attachment and Depression on Threat Appraisal

Abstract

This study tested a model of romantic jealousy based on cognitive motivational theory (White & Mullen, 1989) and formulations from adult attachment studies (Hazan & Shaver, 1987). A causal model was tested in which attachment, depression and situational threat were hypothesized to predict jealous responses through their effects on appraisal of threat. Imagery scenes, depicting varying levels of threat by a romantic relationship rival, were presented to 135 undergraduates. The model fit the data very well. Threat appraisal was predicted by attachment, depression and level of situational threat. Appraisal, in turn, predicted positive and negative relationship perceptions and emotions reported in response to jealousy-evoking situations. Results were interpreted as suggesting that attachment style and depression indirectly influence affective and cognitive responses to jealousy-evoking situations by functioning as schemas which influence the appraisal of a rival relationship. Insecure attachment and depression were also found to be related to less effective coping strategies. Findings regarding depression and ineffective coping suggested implications for the personal and relationship adjustment of persons with secure and insecure attachment.

Effects of Attachment Representations, Rumination, and Trait Depression on Co-Rumination in Friendships: A Dyadic Analysis

“…The null findings at the actor level are consistent with previous research showing inconsistent findings between attachment anxiety and support-seeking (Alexander, Feeney, Hohaus, & Noller, 2001;Berant, Mikulincer, & Florian, 2001;Ognibene & Collins, 1998;Radecki-Bush, Farrell, & Bush, 1993). Thus, it is possible that anxiously attached individuals do not always seek support when distressed as they worry about the availability of the attachment figure due to a history of receiving unpredictable or inconsistent care and support (Ainsworth et al, 1978;Brenning et al, 2012).…”

Jealousy and commitment: Perceived threat and the effect of relationship alternatives

“…Several theories of jealousy predict that relationship commitment and the attractiveness of relationship alternatives should interact to facilitate the expression of jealousy because to the extent that individuals are more committed to their relationship and perceive that they have unattractive dating alternatives, a jealousy-evoking situation should be perceived as especially threatening to the self, to the relationship, and to the emotional, temporal, and material investments put into the relationship (e.g., Bringle, 1991;Bush, Bush, & Jennings, 1988;Buunk, 1991;Hansen, 1991;Radjecki-Bush, Farrell, & Bush, 1993;White, 1981White, , 1991White & Mullen, 1989). Although men and women react differently to threat, evolutionary theory predicts that cognitive mechanisms are activated when a romantic relationship is threatened (e.g., Buss, 2000).…”

Gender differences in romantic jealousy and attachment styles

“…Many studies have shown that differences in attachment style seem to influence patterns of jealousy expression [37][38][39]. Yumbul et al [40] stated individuals with anxious ambivalent attachment styles presented the most jealousy in romantic relationships, followed by those with avoidant and secure ones.…”