Tickling the monster: Jealousy induction in relationships

Abstract

This study develops a general model of jealousy induction in romantic relationships. The model posits that the goals of jealousy induction predict jealousy-induction tactics, which in turn predict partner responses to jealousy, which in turn predict strategic outcomes. Measures were developed for this study to assess jealousy-induction goals, induction tactics, and strategic outcome (i.e., tactical efficacy). Exploratory factor analysis revealed two types of jealousy-induction goals(i.e., relational rewards, relational revenge), three types of jealousy-induction tactics (i.e., relational distancing, flirtation façade, relational alternatives), and three types of partner response to jealousy (i.e., aggressive, withdrawal, relational compensation). Using relational outcome variables representing tactical efficacy and relational improvement, structural equation modeling demonstrated partial support for the model, but with modifications to several components. Specifically, the jealousy responses did not function as a single latent variable, and were treated as individual indicators. Furthermore, the final model did not fit well statistically, but did fit very well according to the descriptive indices, for both males and females. The model provides a general framework for understanding strategic jealousy induction, and suggests a variety of paths for future work elucidating the role of jealousy in relational development and maintenance.