JEALOUSY IN ADOLESCENCE AND RELATIONSHIP ANXIETY DISORDERS
Jealousy can be defined as an emotional response that is usually associated with negative feelings like anger, worry, and sadness when one feels threatened by another person's potential relationship or connection with someone else. Jealousy is often seen as a natural human emotion, but it can also have serious implications for mental health if left unchecked. Studies have shown that patterns of jealousy in adolescence can predict long-term vulnerability to relational anxiety disorders.
Relationship Anxiety Disorder
Relationship anxiety disorder is characterized by excessive fear or anxiety about being rejected, abandoned, or betrayed by a partner or loved one. People who experience this condition may avoid intimate relationships altogether due to their fear of rejection or may constantly seek reassurance from their partners. They may also have difficulty trusting others and experience extreme anxiety when their partners show signs of interest in other people. This disorder can cause significant distress and interfere with daily functioning.
Patterns of Jealousy
Researchers have found that certain patterns of jealousy are more likely to lead to relationship anxiety disorders later in life.
Research has identified two types of jealousy: possessive and suspicious. Possessive jealousy refers to feeling possessive over a partner and feeling upset when they interact with others in a friendly way. Suspicious jealousy involves being hypervigilant to signs of infidelity and paranoid about what the partner might be doing behind their back. Both types of jealousy have been linked to increased risk for relationship anxiety disorder in adulthood.
Why Are Patterns of Jealousy Important?
Patterns of jealousy in adolescence may be especially important because they reflect underlying issues related to attachment and self-esteem. Adolescents who experience these feelings may feel insecure about themselves and their ability to maintain healthy relationships. This insecurity can then translate into greater vulnerability to anxiety disorders as they enter adulthood.
Patterns of jealousy in adolescence may reflect an individual's broader social context, such as family dynamics or peer pressure. By addressing these larger factors, it may be possible to reduce the likelihood of developing relationship anxiety disorder later on.
The Impact of Early Intervention
Early intervention is key in preventing long-term vulnerability to relational anxiety disorders. Psychologists recommend that parents, educators, and other professionals work together to identify and address patterns of jealousy in adolescents before they become more serious problems. This could involve teaching skills like communication, empathy, and conflict resolution to help teens better navigate their relationships and build resilience. It may also involve counseling or therapy to explore underlying insecurities and develop healthier ways of thinking and behaving. With early intervention, many individuals can avoid the negative impacts of relationship anxiety disorders and lead happier, healthier lives.
How do patterns of jealousy in adolescence predict long-term vulnerability to relational anxiety disorders?
Jealousy is defined as an intense desire for something that another person has (Baumeister & Leary, 1995). Adolescent jealousy is considered to be an important indicator of future romantic difficulties (Schwenke et al.