Date

4-7-2026

Department

School of Behavioral Sciences

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD)

Chair

Kevin Ganey

Keywords

jealousy, experience of jealousy, expression of jealousy, newly married, long-term marriage

Disciplines

Psychiatry and Psychology

Abstract

This quantitative correlational study, grounded on evolutionary, social role, and social-cognitive theories, and incorporating a biblical perspective, examined the differences in the experience of jealousy and responses to romantic jealousy among women within a marital context. A total of 170 participants, with 85 in each group, were recruited through convenience sampling and completed the Self-Report Jealousy Scale–Revised and the Multidimensional Jealousy Scale. The results revealed no statistically significant differences in romantic, emotional or professional experience of jealousy between the groups. Findings also revealed no statistical difference in emotional response; however, significant statistical differences were found in cognitive and behavioral responses to romantic jealousy between the groups. The findings provided insights into the field of psychology, facilitated interventions for marital relationships, and addressed jealousy, particularly in the underexplored context of married women. Limitations to this study were acknowledged and included the lack of control for confounding variables and the exclusion of the husband-wife interaction, which may have resulted in an incomplete representation of marriage. However, the study contributed to the existing literature, provided a biblical perspective, and laid the groundwork for promoting healthier experiences and expressions of jealousy within marital relationships.

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