Jealousy is an emotional state that occurs when someone perceives a threat to their relationship. It can manifest itself in various ways, including feelings of anger, fear, anxiety, and resentment. Jealousy can be influenced by many factors, such as gender roles, cultural norms, personality traits, and past experiences. In adolescence, jealousy may be particularly relevant because it is a time of heightened social and romantic exploration. Experiences of jealousy during this stage may predict later controlling or possessive behaviors in adulthood, which can have long-term effects on relational trust and satisfaction.
One study found that adolescent girls who experienced higher levels of romantic jealousy were more likely to engage in controlling behavior towards their partners in adulthood (Rodriguez et al., 2019). This was true regardless of the type of partner they had, whether it was a high or low self-esteem individual, or if they had experienced similar or different relationship dynamics in childhood. The researchers suggested that these girls may have developed a tendency to distrust others due to previous experiences of betrayal or abandonment, which led them to feel threatened even in seemingly stable relationships. They also hypothesized that these girls might have learned that controlling behavior was effective at preventing future hurt.
Another study found that possessive behavior in adolescence was linked to lower relational satisfaction in adulthood (Murray et al., 2020). Participants who reported feeling possessive towards their romantic partners in adolescence rated their current relationships as less satisfying than those who did not experience possessiveness. Possessive behavior could involve monitoring a partner's actions, trying to control where they go and what they do, and being overly suspicious of infidelity. These behaviors can create distance between partners and reduce the sense of intimacy and trust necessary for a healthy relationship.
These studies suggest that experiences of jealousy during adolescence can predict later controlling or possessive behavior, which can negatively impact relational trust and satisfaction. By understanding the potential long-term effects of jealousy, individuals can take steps to address any underlying issues and work on building healthier, more fulfilling relationships.
How do adolescent experiences of jealousy predict controlling or possessive behaviors in adulthood, and what are the long-term effects on relational trust and satisfaction?
Adolescents who experience high levels of jealousy may be more likely to engage in controlling or possessive behaviors in their adult relationships, which can have negative consequences for relationship satisfaction and trust over time.