Jealousy - Seen from Different Perspectives

The author begins with a brief discussion of the definitions of emotion and emotional regulation, proceeding from there to review various approaches to the classification of jealousy. There is a unanimous understanding of jealousy as a process typically triggered by a triadic relation structure, either real or feared. Reactions to this perceived danger differ. They are not only situation-dependent but may vary inter- and intrapersonally. Present-day psychoanalytic discourse trains its sights on the relations between early relationship experiences and jealousy, suggesting that there may be a connection above all between (cumulative) traumatic relationship experiences and heightened susceptibility to intense jealousy. Empirical findings from attachment research also indicate connections of this kind.