Partner's Romantic Jealousy Igniting Complex Emotions Toward One's Significant Other
A new psychological study, published in the journal Emotion (2025), has shed light on the intricate relationship between romantic jealousy and ambivalence in romantic relationships. The research, led by Mirna Đurić and her team, suggests that jealousy can trigger a blend of positive and negative perceptions about one's partner.
Across four studies involving over 1,400 participants from the Netherlands, the UK, and the US, the team found that jealousy consistently predicted greater ambivalence. When individuals felt jealous, they were more likely to simultaneously see their partner as highly attractive but also as less trustworthy.
This emotional mix contributes to a state called "subjective ambivalence," or the sense of being torn between opposing emotions. For instance, an anxious partner may intensely seek reassurance but also feel betrayed or suspicious when that reassurance is not forthcoming or is perceived as inadequate.
The emotional confusion caused by jealousy manifests as ambivalence—mixed feelings of love, distrust, hope, and suspicion. This ambivalence and emotional confusion harm relationship satisfaction and increase the risk of breakups. The internal conflict and misaligned expectations cause frustration and frequent conflicts, diminishing trust and emotional safety in the relationship.
Interestingly, people who perceive their partners as jealous of them, see their partners as deeply committed but also as mistrusting. Jealousy can reaffirm a partner's value and commitment, encouraging efforts to protect and invest in the relationship.
The study, which can be found under the citation: Đurić, M., Righetti, F., Zoppolat, G., Lohmer, C., & Schneider, I. K. (2025). Mixed signals: Romantic jealousy and ambivalence in relationships. Emotion, 25(4), 853-868. [
Recognizing that these reactions can stem from jealousy might help individuals and couples approach the emotion with more awareness and less self-blame. Relationship counselors and therapists could use these insights to help clients explore the dual messages embedded in jealousy.
Future research may explore how personality traits, attachment styles, or specific relational contexts influence the link between jealousy and ambivalence. It is also essential to consider cultural differences in how jealousy is experienced or expressed, as the study's findings are based largely on self-report data from Western populations.
In conclusion, this study underscores the complex interplay between romantic jealousy and ambivalence in relationships. By understanding these dynamics, individuals and couples can better navigate the emotional landscape of their relationships, fostering healthier, more secure connections.
- This new study published in the journal Emotion (2025) delves into the complex relationship between romantic jealousy and ambivalence in romantic relationships.
- The research, led by Mirna Đurić and her team, indicates that jealousy can instigate a mix of positive and negative perceptions about one's partner.
- Across four studies with over 1,400 participants from various countries, the team discovered that jealousy consistently predicts greater ambivalence.
- When individuals feel jealous, they tend to simultaneously view their partner as highly attractive yet less trustworthy, creating a state called "subjective ambivalence."
- This emotional mix contributes to harm in relationship satisfaction and increases the risk of breakups due to an internal conflict and misaligned expectations.
- People who perceive their partners as jealous of them see their partners as deeply committed but also as mistrusting, suggesting that jealousy can reaffirm a partner's value and commitment.
- The study, titled "Mixed signals: Romantic jealousy and ambivalence in relationships," was conducted using various methods, such as daily diaries, long-term follow-ups, and controlled experiments.
- Recognizing that these reactions can stem from jealousy might help individuals and couples approach the emotion with more awareness and less self-blame.
- Future research should focus on how personality traits, attachment styles, or specific relational contexts influence the link between jealousy and ambivalence, considering cultural differences in the experience and expression of jealousy.
