Jealousy is an emotional response that humans often experience when they feel threatened or challenged by someone else's success, achievement, attention, approval, praise, love, relationship, affection, or possessions. It can take many forms, such as anger, resentment, envy, possessiveness, suspicion, fear, and even violence.
How this emotion is expressed changes with age and experience.
In infancy, jealousy may manifest in crying, screaming, hitting, biting, clinging to parents, refusing to share, or throwing tantrums. In childhood, it can appear as jealous remarks, teasing, exclusion, physical violence, or stealing. Adolescence brings about flirting, competition, comparison, bullying, gossip, and manipulation. Young adulthood involves feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, anger, and aggression towards others. Middle age leads to social comparisons, feelings of insecurity, and attempts at controlling relationships. And later life can bring about withdrawal, isolation, and loneliness.
The expression of jealousy is shaped by cultural norms, personal values, upbringing, personality traits, and individual experiences. Some people may express their feelings openly while others suppress them. Others may use passive-aggressive behaviors, deflection, or projection. Some may seek validation or attention, while others may hide their feelings altogether. Some may be more competitive than others, some may be more possessive, and some may be more prone to jealousy due to past experiences or mental health issues.
There are also gender differences in the way men and women express jealousy. Women tend to use more verbal and indirect communication such as complaining, criticizing, questioning, and comparing themselves to others. Men tend to use more direct and physical methods like fighting, shouting, pushing, grabbing, and punishing. Both sexes can use jealousy to control or manipulate partners, but men may do so more often.
Jealousy can affect different types of relationships differently. In romantic relationships, it can lead to conflict, mistrust, infidelity, and breakups. In friendships, it can cause tension, arguments, gossip, and betrayal. At work, it can manifest in competition, sabotage, and professional jealousy. It can even harm social media interactions by creating a sense of superiority or inferiority.
Jealousy can have negative consequences for both the person experiencing it and those around them. It can damage self-esteem, confidence, trust, and intimacy. It can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, anxiety, depression, and anger. It can strain relationships and create resentment, distrust, and isolation.
Acknowledging and addressing these emotions is essential for personal growth and connection with others.
How do expressions of jealousy change with age and experience?
Jealousy is often considered an unpleasant emotion that can arise in various situations and at different stages of life. Researchers have observed changes in how people express their jealousy as they grow older and gain more experience. One study found that older adults tend to be less likely to exhibit overt displays of jealousy compared to younger individuals. This could be due to increased self-awareness, maturity, and acceptance of reality.