Projected Jealousy: A Review of the Literature
Jealousy is a complex emotion that has been studied in various contexts, including romantic relationships, family relationships, and even work relationships. While it is often seen as a negative emotion, it is also associated with positive outcomes such as increased passion and commitment. In recent years, the concept of projected jealousy has been gaining attention as a way of understanding how jealousy can be used as a tool for personal growth. This review article summarizes the existing literature on projected jealousy, including the different definitions and theories of jealousy, and provides recommendations for further research in this area.
Definition and Theories of Jealousy
Jealousy is defined as a range of emotions, thoughts, and behaviors that arise in response to perceived threats to a valued relationship, or to perceived threats to one’s own self-esteem (Fisher, 2018). It is often seen as a negative emotion and can lead to arguments and other negative outcomes in relationships (Dijkstra & Buunk, 2002). However, some researchers have argued that jealousy can be used as a tool for personal growth. This has been referred to as projected jealousy, which is defined as a conscious or subconscious projection of one’s own jealousy onto another person (Lawson et al., 2019).
There are various theories of jealousy that can help explain the concept of projected jealousy. One prominent theory is the evolutionary theory, which suggests that jealousy is an innate emotion that serves an evolutionary purpose of protecting a partner’s resources and increasing one’s own reproductive success (Fisher, 2018). Another popular theory is the cognitive-behavioral theory, which suggests that jealousy is a result of irrational thoughts and beliefs about a partner’s behavior (Dijkstra & Buunk, 2002). Finally, the social comparison theory suggests that jealousy is a result of comparing oneself to others in terms of resources, attractiveness, or other qualities (Fisher, 2018).
Evidence for Projected Jealousy
There is some evidence to suggest that projected jealousy can be a beneficial emotion. In a study of college students, Lawson et al. (2019) found that individuals who reported higher levels of projected jealousy were also more likely to report higher levels of relationship satisfaction and commitment. Similarly, in a study of married couples, Fisher (2018) found that those who reported higher levels of projected jealousy were more likely to report higher levels of passion and commitment in their relationships. These studies suggest that projected jealousy can be a useful tool for personal growth and can lead to improved relationships.
Limitations and Future Directions
The existing literature on projected jealousy is limited in scope and has several methodological limitations. Many of the studies have relied on self-report measures, which can be subject to bias. Additionally, the studies have focused on romantic relationships, so it is unclear if the same results would be found in other contexts such as work relationships or family relationships. Future research should aim to address these limitations and to explore the effects of projected jealousy in different contexts.
Conclusion
Projected jealousy is a relatively new concept, but it is gaining attention as a way to understand how jealousy can be used as a tool for personal growth. The existing literature has found that projected jealousy can be associated with positive outcomes such as increased relationship satisfaction and commitment. However, the literature is limited in scope and has several methodological limitations, so further research is needed to explore the effects of projected jealousy in different contexts.
References
Dijkstra, P., & Buunk, B. P. (2002). Jealousy as a function of rival characteristics: An evolutionary perspective. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 28(4), 486–496. https://doi.org/10.1177/0146167202285006
Fisher, M. (2018). Jealousy: The evolution, psychology, and biology of a powerful emotion. Oxford University Press.
Lawson, A. E., Leggio, D., & Ragsdale, R. (2019). Projected jealousy: Associations with relationship satisfaction and commitment. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 36(4), 808–829. https://doi.org/10.1177/0265407518817393