Male Internalizing Heightens the Risk of Escalating Jealousy and Perceptions of Negativity in Romantic Relationships

Abstract

The present study examined whether the spread of jealousy and negative relationship perceptions between romantic partners varies as a function of boyfriend and girlfriend internalizing symptoms. Participants included 152 emerging adults in 76 heterosexual romantic dyads. At least one partner was 17 years or older ( M = 19.52 years) at the outset. Participants completed reports twice, approximately 13 months apart. Dyadic analyses indicated that the spread of jealousy and negativity was moderated by boyfriend but not girlfriend internalizing symptoms. When boyfriends presented above average (but not below average) levels of internalizing symptoms, girlfriend perceptions of relationship negativity and jealousy predicted increases in boyfriend perceptions of the same. The findings underscore the risk that internalizing poses to negative affect contagion.