Jealousy: Theory Research and Clinical Strategies

About this book

An old and recurring theme in human relationships jealousy has been captured in myth drama literature dancer sculpture and painting as well as in the popular press. Jealousy is also a major cause of murder spousal violence and marital breakdown. It has been estimated that up to 20% of all murders involve a jealous lover and in a nationwide survey of marriage counselors jealousy was cited as a (if not the) major focus of treatment for about a third of all couples under 50. However despite the rich array of commentary the empirical study of this universal phenomenon is still in its infancy. Providing an important advance this groundbreaking volume is the first to offer a comprehensive review of modern research on romantic jealousy. It offers a conceptual framework for ordering past research an up-to-date review of the literature from diverse sources and fields and useful clinical strategies for practitioners and clinicians in training. This volume concentrates on romantic jealousy which the authors define as neither an emotion a state of mind nor a way of behaving but rather as a multi system phenomenon involving personality relationships culture and perhaps biology. This model integrates the books chapters yields a richer theory and engenders a flexible clinical perspective.