Study of Subtypes of Non-Delusional Jealousy and its Association with Personality Aspects and Psychopathological Dimensions in a Young Adult Sample in Iran

Abstract

Background: Jealousy is a complaint that can be related to a variety of psychopathologies. It is important to diagnose and distinguish the types of jealousy. Objectives: This study aimed to develop an Iranian version of the Jealousy questionnaire (JQ) and determine the relationship of jealousy subtypes with personality traits and psychopathological dimensions. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed in 2019. The study population consisted of the students of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences. A convenience sampling method was used. The inclusion criteria were the people’s consent and marriage. The jealousy, personality, and psychopathological aspects were evaluated by JQ and NEO Five-Factor inventory (NEO-FFI), and Symptom Checklist-90-Revised inventory (SCL-90R), respectively. Results: Finally, 358 students of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences answered the study questionnaires. An Iranian version of JQ was developed. Confirmatory factor analysis provided a four-factor model for JQ, including self-esteem, paranoia, fear of being abandoned, and obsessive dimensions. According to the results of NEO-FFI, neuroticism was significantly associated with all types of jealousy. The Iranian version of JQ had enough internal consistency. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was 0.77 for the total instrument and 0.72 - 0.78 for jealousy dimensions/subtypes. Conclusions: In this study, the validity and reliability of the Persian version of the jealousy questionnaire were assessed and confirmed. The jealousy subtypes were correlated with different psychopathologies, age, gender, marriage duration, and history of infidelity or betrayal in first-degree relatives.