What is jealousy definition?

Jealousy is a complex emotion characterized by feelings of insecurity, fear, and anxiety in response to a perceived threat to a valued relationship or possession. It usually arises in romantic relationships, but can also occur in friendships, family relationships, and contexts involving competition, such as at work or in sports.

Jealousy is often accompanied by a range of physical, emotional, and cognitive symptoms, including increased heart rate, sweating, feelings of anger, sadness, and insecurity, and thoughts of betrayal and fear of loss. While jealousy can be a normal and healthy response to a perceived threat, excessive or irrational jealousy can become a problem, leading to behaviors and actions that harm oneself or others.

Jealousy can be caused by many factors, including low self-esteem, a history of abandonment or betrayal, perceived inadequacies or insecurities in the relationship, and external events that trigger feelings of jealousy, such as the presence of an attractive rival or the perception of a partner's infidelity.

Successful management of jealousy involves identifying the underlying causes of the emotion, communication, and the development of healthy coping strategies.