Romantic Jealousy From the Perspectives of Bowen’s Concept of Differentiation and Gender Differences

Abstract

This study explores whether differentiation of the self, a concept suggested by Bowen, can explain and predict the tendency for romantic jealousy. It also looks into gender differences in the expressions and reactions to romantic jealousy. Data were gathered from married couples (242 participants), utilizing self-report questionnaires that measure emotional, cognitive, and behavioral expressions of jealousy, evaluate the respondent’s level of differentiation, and collect background data. The findings show that participants with lower levels of differentiation reported higher levels of jealousy. Women reported higher levels of emotional arousal, had a stronger cognitive tendency to interpret a variety of situations as arousing jealousy, and were inclined to invest more in attempting to preserve the couple relationship. Implications of these findings for future research and practice of clinical couple therapy are discussed.

Measuring Differentiation of Self to Evaluate Subjective Well-Being in Women Who are Childfree by Choice

“…They may be more salient because they express two significant parts of well-being—the ability to self-define and the ability to be in close contact with another person but without merging. For example, a study examining the tendency to envy one's partner in a relationship found women with a high I-position were less likely to experience jealousy and distrust of their partner (Lans et al, 2014). A possible explanation of the I-position's contribution to a sense of well-being is that a high level of I-position enables an individual to take a stance in interpersonal relationships, to stand up for his/her own wishes and feelings independently and autonomously without fear of abandonment or loss of connection (Biadsy-Ashkar et al, 2015).…”

Romantic relationship development: The interplay between age and relationship length.

“…Consistent with existing literature (Seiffge-Krenke & Burk, 2013), females reported higher levels of jealousy. Research demonstrates that females tend to be more worried overall about losing the relationship and that they are more likely to interpret ambiguous scenarios in a jealous manner (Lans, Mosek, & Yagil, 2014). Future studies should explore more nuanced facets of jealousy, such as gender differences in the expression of jealousy.…”