Jealousy

Jealousy is an emotion that typically involves feelings of insecurity, fear, and concern over a relative lack of possessions or safety. It often consists of a combination of emotions such as anger, resentment, inadequacy, helplessness and disgust. In its original meaning, jealousy is a warning signal that a valued relationship is at risk and that steps need to be taken to regain that person's exclusive attention.

Definition

Jealousy is a complex emotion that encompasses feelings ranging from fear of abandonment to rage and humiliation. It strikes people of all ages, genders, and sexual orientations, and is most typically aroused when a person perceives a threat to a valued relationship from a third party. The threat may be real or imagined.

Causes

Jealousy is often triggered by a perceived threat to a relationship or to a person's self-esteem. Some people experience jealousy because they have low self-esteem and worry about not being good enough. Others might be jealous because they want to be the center of attention and feel threatened when someone else gets more attention.

Effects

Jealousy can have a variety of effects, both positive and negative. On the positive side, it can motivate people to appreciate their partners more and to make efforts to maintain their relationships. On the negative side, it can lead to harmful behaviors, such as stalking, domestic violence, and even murder.

Coping with Jealousy

There are several strategies for coping with jealousy. One is to improve self-esteem. Another is to communicate with the partner about feelings of jealousy, in order to reduce misunderstandings. A third strategy is to seek therapy or counseling.

See Also

• Envy
• Emotion
• Fear
• Anger
• Resentment

References

Jealousy Resources
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