Measurement of romantic jealousy : behavioural responsivity to jealousy provocation in adult romantic relationships

• Main Author: Woods, Ella
• Other Authors: Kellett, Steve ; Totterdell, Peter
• Published: University of Sheffield 2016
• Subjects: 616.85
• Online Access: http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.694468

Literature Review: A systematic review of the psychometric properties and quality of self-report measures of romantic jealousy was conducted. Twenty-four papers were identified. After the application of minimum quality standards, 12 papers concerning eight measures were examined. Overall, measures showed adequate reliability and convergent validity, but lacked evidence of divergent and content validity. There was insufficient evidence of criterion validity, responsiveness, acceptability, feasibility and precision. The Multidimensional Jealousy Scale and the Short-Form Multidimensional Jealousy Scale appear the most fit for purpose as assessment and research tools. Empirical Report: Jealousy is a complex emotion to conceptualise and therefore measure. Jealous behaviour is often highlighted as the defining characteristic in pathological jealousy; however, jealousy measures fail to focus on this component. The present study details the development and evaluation of the Jealousy Provocation Measure (JPM), designed to assess behavioural responsivity to an evolving jealousy scenario, grounded in attachment theory. Using an on-line survey, 720 participants from community, student and clinical (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder; OCD) samples completed the JPM and measures of jealousy, attachment, OCD and impulsivity. The JPM showed good internal consistency and adequate convergent and divergent validity. Increased jealousy was associated with increasing behavioural reactivity. Participants with OCD had significantly higher levels of jealousy and behavioural reactivity. At low levels of relationship threat, both participants with OCD and those with anxious attachment showed increased reactivity to jealousy provocation. The JPM shows promise as an effective measure of jealousy with clinical utility.