3. INTRODUCTION
Jealousy is a complex emotion that we often think
of in terms of love and relationships, but it can
also show up when comparing yourself to others.
It can involve feelings of envy, insecurity,
resentment, and suspicion. But while it is a
natural instinctive emotion, jealousy can have a
powerful effect on your mental health.
Ironically, what you really value in life is more
often revealed by asking yourself who you are
jealous of rather than asking yourself directly
“what do I value.”
The latter often taps into what society expects
you to value; your “superego” takes over – and
you are aware only of what you should want
4. Causes and Triggers
Insecurity: Jealousy often stems from feelings of
inadequacy or low self-esteem. When individuals lack
confidence in themselves or their relationships, they
may be more prone to jealousy.
Fear of Loss: The fear of losing something valuable,
whether it's a relationship or a position, can trigger
jealousy. This fear can be rooted in past experiences or
personal insecurities.
6. Cognitive Processes
2.Cognitive Distortions:
Jealous individuals may
engage in distorted thinking,
such as jumping to
conclusions, mind-reading, or
catastrophizing, which can
reinforce and intensify jealous
feelings.
7. Coping Mechanisms
1.Communication: Open and honest communication
can help address insecurities and concerns,
reducing the likelihood of jealousy.
2.Self-Reflection: Developing self-awareness and
understanding the root causes of jealousy can be
crucial for personal growth and overcoming this
emotion.
3.Building Trust: Strengthening trust in relationships
and friendships can mitigate feelings of jealousy.
Trust is a key factor in reducing the perceived
8. (1) Are you more envious of:
(A) someone who is similar to you in most
respects but is a bit wealthier (say 50%
wealthier)
or
(B) more envious of Motabhai Mukesh
Ambani?
9. In jealousy, a valued relationship is already
possessed and there is a perceived danger of losing
it. In envy, the person does not possessed a valued
commodity but wishes to possessed it. In jealousy,
people are trying to preserve their current
relationship against threats, in envy people want
something that they don’t possess.
Jealousy is considered a two edged sword because in the one
edge there is expression of love and in the other edge there is
perceived paranoia.
10. No they are not. Jealousy sometimes can show love and
affection. It is also helpful to understand how much a person
cares about another. Envy can motivate people to improve
themselves.
This happens because the situation which we make self-comparison might not
be relevant to us. For example we can give the Olympics example which we have
in our text book. In this example when we see successful athletes in the Olympic
games, we do self comparison but we do not get envy because even though we
admire their talent, we don’t necessarily want to be athletes like them.
11. Envy is considered as one of the seven deadly sins because envious people
feel shame, embarrassment, guilt, sinfulness and worry about disapproval.
Jealous people on the other hand do not feel sinfulness when they got jealous
because jealous people are trying to protect their current relationship.
12. CONCLUSIONS
In summary, the psychology of jealousy is a complex
interplay of insecurities, fears, and social comparisons,
affecting various aspects of human relationships. Rooted
in personal vulnerabilities, it manifests in diverse forms
across romantic, familial, and professional spheres.
Overcoming jealousy requires open communication, self-
reflection, and the cultivation of trust. Cultural influences
further shape its expression. Acknowledging jealousy as
a natural emotion and employing constructive coping
mechanisms can lead to personal growth and more
resilient, fulfilling connections.
14. References
The Evolutionary Psychology of Envy and Jealousy
Vilayanur S. Ramachandran1 and Baland Jalal1,2 * 1
Center for Brain and Cognition, University of
California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States, 2
Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute,
Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge,
Cambridge, United Kingdom