Jealousy in Close Relationships Among Emerging Adults by Katrina Poetzl Blomquist Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Duke University Date:_______________________ Approved: ___________________________ Martha Putallaz, Supervisor ___________________________ James Moody ___________________________ Philip Costanzo ___________________________ John Curry Dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience in the Graduate School of Duke University 2014 ABSTRACT Jealousy in Close Relationships Among Emerging Adults by Katrina Poetzl Blomquist Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Duke University Date:_______________________ Approved: ___________________________ Martha Putallaz, Supervisor ___________________________ James Moody ___________________________ Philip Costanzo ___________________________ John Curry An abstract of a dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience in the Graduate School of Duke University 2014 Copyright by Katrina Poetzl Blomquist 2014 Abstract Using a mix of quantitative and qualitative measures, the current study examines how jealousy is experienced and expressed in close peer relationships during emerging adulthood. 193 college student participants (94 males, 99 females) described actual jealousy experiences, answered questions from a newly developed jealousy questionnaire, and completed questionnaires assessing individual characteristics. To better understand the phenomenon of jealousy, descriptive data are presented regarding a variety of jealousy features. An interest in the role of gender and relationship context prompted an examination of the association between gender, relationship context, and jealousy variables. Additionally, a number of hypotheses are tested regarding factors that affect jealousy intensity and frequency. Results suggest jealousy experiences during college are normative and similarly experienced by males and females. However, friendship jealousy has qualities that differ markedly from romantic relationship jealousy. Implications of these findings are discussed. Study limitations and ideas for future research are also addressed. iv Dedication To my parents, who instilled in me a love of learning. v Contents Abstract .......................................................................................................................................... iv List of Tables ................................................................................................................................. xi List of Figures .............................................................................................................................. xii Acknowledgements ................................................................................................................... xiii Introduction ................................................................................................................................... 1 The Importance of Studying Peer Relations ....................................................................... 1 Jealousy as a Peer Relationship Variable ............................................................................. 3 Studying Jealousy ................................................................................................................... 4 Definitions of Jealousy ........................................................................................................... 6 Functions of Jealousy ............................................................................................................. 7 Emotional Components of Jealousy ..................................................................................... 9 Cognitive Components of Jealousy .................................................................................... 10 Behavioral Components of Jealousy .................................................................................. 11 Experienced Jealousy Versus Expressed Jealousy ........................................................... 12 Factors Associated with Experienced Jealousy ................................................................ 12 Qualities of the Individual ................................................................................................ 12 Qualities of the Jealousy Target and the Partner ........................................................... 15 Qualities of the Dyadic Relationships ............................................................................. 16 Larger Peer Group Variables ............................................................................................ 18 Situational Variables .......................................................................................................... 18 vi Factors Associated with Expressed Jealousy .................................................................... 19 Jealousy and Negative Outcomes ...................................................................................... 21 Jealousy and Positive Outcomes ........................................................................................ 23 Summary ................................................................................................................................ 24 The Current Study ................................................................................................................ 26 Research Questions and Hypotheses ................................................................................. 27 Method .......................................................................................................................................... 33 Participants ............................................................................................................................ 33 Selection Criteria ................................................................................................................. 33 Final Study Sample ............................................................................................................. 34 Measures and Descriptions ................................................................................................. 35 Order of Measures .............................................................................................................. 35 The Jealousy Experiences Questionnaire (Created For This Study) ....................... 36 Relationship Context Categorization .......................................................................... 38 Follow-up Questions ..................................................................................................... 40 Study Variables ............................................................................................................... 45 Demographic Questionnaire (Created For This Study) ............................................ 53 Relationship Convoys- Current and Future (Kahn & Antonucci, 1980) ................ 54 Adult Attachment Questionnaire (Hazan & Shaver, 1990) ...................................... 54 Rosenberg Self-Esteem Questionnaire (Rosenberg, 1965) ........................................ 55 Positive Peer Experience Questionnaire (Created For This Study) ........................ 55 Procedures ............................................................................................................................. 56 vii Data Analytic Plan ................................................................................................................ 56 Preliminary Analyses and Descriptives .......................................................................... 56 Final Analyses and Roadmap of Results ......................................................................... 57 Results ........................................................................................................................................... 58 Missing Data .......................................................................................................................... 58 Relationship Between Relationship Context and Gender .............................................. 58 Main Study Analyses ........................................................................................................... 59 The Phenomenon of Jealousy ............................................................................................ 59 Summary ......................................................................................................................... 61 Summary ......................................................................................................................... 62 Summary ......................................................................................................................... 65 Summary ......................................................................................................................... 68 Summary ......................................................................................................................... 70 Factors Affecting Jealousy Intensity ................................................................................ 71 Individual Background Variables: Individual Characteristics ................................ 71 Individual Background Characteristics: Jealousy Target Characteristics ............