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Editorial: Jealousy and the Emergence of Violent and Intimidating Behaviours

NCJ Number
165716
Journal
Criminal Behaviour and Mental Health Volume: 6 Issue: 3 Dated: (1996) Pages: 199-205
Author(s)
P E Mullen
Date Published
1996
Length
7 pages
Annotation
Studies of jealousy in relation to homicidal violence appear to indicate that violence is largely a product of male aggression.
Abstract
Jealousy may be regarded as a response to a perceived threat posed by an actual or potential rival that involves judgments and coping strategies. Judgments associated with jealousy revolve around the belief that a rival relationship exists or has existed. Studies indicate that jealousy consists of two separate states of mind. The first is suspicious jealousy which occurs when the threat to the relationship remains unresolved and is characterized by apprehension and uncertainty. The second is fait accompli jealousy which occurs when the relationship is recognized to be irretrievably lost and sadness, anger, and envy emerge as dominant themes. Clinicians attempting to treat patients with jealousy features should be aware of the possibility of conflict escalation and violence. Features in jealous individuals that increase concern about violence include escalating conflict between the couple, previous violence motivated by jealousy, violent tendencies displayed in other circumstances, fantasies of violent retribution, depression, drug or alcohol abuse, and a social background that tends to condone violence. 31 references

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