The Green-Eyed Monster: Exploring the Associations of Ego Defenses and Relationship Closeness on Romantic Jealousy

摘要

The present study explores the relationship between ego defenses, relationship closeness and romantic jealousy. The study was done with a sample of 231 individuals (falling within 18-32 years) out of which 127 were female and 104 were male. Results of the study revealed that there was a gender difference only in terms of cognitive jealousy with men showing higher levels of the same. However no differences were found when it came to emotional and behavioural jealousy or relationship closeness. Also people with a romantic partner were found to be high in relationship closeness compared to those without a partner (those who just show romantic attraction for someone). Correlations between these variables showed that immature defenses showed a positive association with cognitive and behavioural jealousy. Mature and neurotic defenses showed no correlation with jealousy. Relationship closeness showed a negative correlation with cognitive jealousy and a positive correlation with emotional jealousy. Regression analysis showed that relationship closeness emerged as the best predictor of cognitive jealousy and immature defense style was found to be the best predictor of behavioural jealousy. However the regression model was not significant for emotional jealousy.