Like most English words, “jealousy” has multiple definitions.
– zealous vigilance in guarding or keeping
– anger or bitterness resulting from loss or threat of loss
– anger or bitterness resulting from unfulfilled desire
– resentment or envy of another’s success or advantage
– uneasiness from suspicion or fear of rivalry or unfaithfulness
[Derivation: Middle English jelous, from Old French gelos, from Vulgar Latin z?l?sus, from Late Latin z?lus “zeal”]
Research has identified many root causes of extreme jealousy, a primary one being “fear of loss.” Another manifestation would be “destructive or invalidative criticism.” Not to mention just plain prejudice.
In any case, we think that jealousy is an unpleasant, negative and non-survival human characteristic that an individual should recognize for its harmful nature and work to rise above it.
Jealousy and Psychiatry
Jealousy has been examined extensively in the field of psychiatry as a complex emotional state. There is so much discussion about jealousy in psychiatric research and writings that we can be sure that there is a general lack of true understanding about it, not least because psychiatric viewpoints on jealousy do not generally include “fear of loss,” which we know to be a basic characteristic of the state.
Psychiatrists may think of jealousy as a positive evolutionary attribute, for example protecting against infidelity.
Psychiatrists may think that early childhood experiences are a generative factor. While childhood bad experiences may certainly play a part, this does not lead to a predictable and consistent resolution.
Psychiatrists may point to the neurobiology of the brain as a significant contributing factor. Unfortunately, such brain-based theories have never been proven, and lead to harmful psychotropic drugs.
Cognitive psychiatry theorizes that various beliefs and thought patterns are to blame, but again these are theories and have not been validated in real life. The psychiatric pre-occupation with “low self-esteem” has so thoroughly corrupted our educational system that it cannot be given any credence.
Psychiatrists may also consider that cultural norms and societal values, particularly those involving tolerance and intolerance, may be root causes. We have previously addressed the subject of tolerance and intolerance in psychiatry; one would do well to review this here.
Psychiatrists may point to poor communication skills as an enabler of jealousy; well, we can certainly agree with that. In fact, poor communication skills are an enabler of pretty much any bad situation, no thanks to any psychiatric treatments. Common coercive psychiatric interventions such as psychotropic drugs, electro-convulsive therapy, and involuntary commitment, if anything, are aimed at suppressing communication rather than enhancing it.
So what is an appropriate way to address one’s feelings of jealousy? First, examine the situation in terms of fear of loss. And then communicate about it.