Romantic Jealousy and Relationship Satisfaction: The Costs of Rumination

Abstract

The experience of romantic jealousy and its influence on relationship outcomes is unclear. Romantic jealousy is often associated with damaging effects; on the other hand, jealousy is linked to positive relationship outcomes such as increased commitment. In this study, we aimed to address inconsistencies in previous research by proposing rumination as a mediator between romantic jealousy (cognitive jealousy and surveillance behaviors) and relationship dissatisfaction. We also aimed to extend our understanding of behavioral responses to jealousy, and in particular, partner surveillance and its link to relational dissatisfaction by proposing a research question. Overall, there were two paths to relationship dissatisfaction: Cognitive jealousy and surveillance behaviors were associated with relationship dissatisfaction via rumination, and cognitive jealousy was also directly associated with relationship dissatisfaction. Interestingly, surveillance behaviors were directly associated with relationship satisfaction. From these results, rumination is highlighted as a factor in explaining the link between romantic jealousy and relationship dissatisfaction. Clinical implications are discussed.

Jealousy and anxiety in male domestic abusers: A comparative study

“…Difficulty in handling jealousy was also observed in the acceptance and no-threats versus threats categories. This helps to explain the finding that, when compared with the general population, only participants in the P Group indicated problems stemming out from jealousy, an aspect that has already been discussed by other scholars (Dossi et al, 2008;Elphinston et al, 2013). Thus, it can be inferred that the jealous behavior regarding the partner has an impact on the anxiety levels among the perpetrators, which are associated with the emergence of cognitive patterns indicative of jealousy, such as distrust, and the need to control and surveil which result in psychological aggression that precedes episodes of physical violence (Buss, 2000;Doğan, 2016;Pavela et al, 2014).…”

“…Jealousy in romantic relationships is present in all societies and cultures and it involves a set of complex cognitive, emotional, physiological, and behavioral responses determined by a perceived threat to an intimate relationship by a rival, regardless of whether that threat is real or not (Elphinston, Feeney, Noller, Connor, & Fitzgerald, 2013;Gouveia, Silveira, Santos, Souza, & Belo, 2015;Pavela, Banai, & Šimic, 2014;Ramos, Yazawa, & Salazar, 1994). The diversity of such responses can be observed through the set of feelings associated with jealousy, such as anger, fear, sadness, excessive distrust, and may be accompanied by aggressive behavior (Buss, 2000;Doğan, 2016;Elphinston et al, 2013;Wigman, Graham-Kevan & Archer, 2008). Research shows that jealousy is a heterogeneous condition ranging from normal to pathological, with different degrees and levels of persistence manifested over time (Marazziti et al, 2010;Ramos, et al, 1994).…”

The green eyed monster in the bottle: Relationship contingent self-esteem, romantic jealousy, and alcohol-related problems

“…Moreover, Sidelinger and Booth-Butterfield (2007) found that relationship satisfaction was negatively related to cognitive jealousy but was unrelated to emotional jealousy. Finally, Elphinston, Feeney, Noller, Connor, and Fitzgerald (2013) found both behavioral and cognitive jealousy to be positively associated with relationship dissatisfaction. Overall, two paths to relationship dissatisfaction emerged.…”

The Deeper the Love, the Deeper the Hate

“…Therefore, we speculate that it is a lover’s betrayal that causes anger and other negative emotions, resulting in hate. Moreover, cognitive jealousy is directly related to relationship dissatisfaction between lovers ( Elphinston et al, 2013 ). Previous studies have also found a positive relationship between romantic love and jealousy.…”