Jealousy in triadic relationships

Abstract

This thesis examined relational uncertainty, interference, jealousy experience (sexual, intimacy, power, and friendship jealousy), and jealousy expression in response to the discovery of a romantic partner’s extradyadic friendship. Friendships varied by type (cross-sex vs. same-sex) and history (new vs. old friendship). Men and women did not differ in their reports of relational uncertainty, interference, or jealousy experience. However, women were more likely than men to communicate about jealousy. While cross-sex friendships were judged as more threatening than same-sex friendships, relational uncertainty and interference did not vary by friendship type. Cross-sex friendships elicited more sexual jealousy than same-sex friendships, and new friendships elicited more friendship jealousy than old friendships. Finally, participants’ real-life relational status was a predictor of relational uncertainty, power jealousy, and interference.