Morbid Jealousy: a Review and Cognitive-Behavioural Formulation

Abstract

Jealousy is a common emotion which can be considered pathological in some circumstances. The term ‘morbid jealousy’ has been used to signify this abnormal or extreme condition. However, the literature on morbid jealousy is sparse and the empirical data fragmentary. The aims of this paper are to briefly review the concept, to define the dimensions of the disorder and to apply a cognitive-behavioural framework to it. Such a summary paper is timely, to draw together the different aspects of the problem and to provide a theoretical base from which to generate further research.

Aspects of morbid jealousy

“…In their cognitive formulation, Tarrier et al (1990) proposed that people with these characteristics tend to make systematic distortions and errors in their perceptions and interpretation of events and information, so that a precipitating event gives rise to faulty assumptions and provokes morbid jealousy. These ideas resemble those described by attachment theory, especially in the context of borderline or paranoid personality organisation.…”

There’s Jealousy…and Then There’s Jealousy: Differential Effects of Jealousy on Testosterone

“…These factors may modulate T responses. These factors also may modulate the outcomes of jealousy, given that jealousy can lead to a range of behavioral responses including upregulating relationship effort or increasing motivations for perpetrating violence (Daly et al 1982;Puente and Cohen 2003;Tarrier et al 1990). Characterizing the role these factors play in hormonal and behavioral responses to jealousy can provide new insights into the antecedents and sequelae of jealousy.…”

Obsessional Jealousy: A Narrative Literature Review

“…Jealousy could be the response to a perceived threat to a relationship and in this case may be entitled as reactive jealousy. Sometimes it can be a manifestation of an organic disorder such as alcoholism (2,6) or of some psychiatric disorder like OCD or paranoia (1,7,8).…”

“…Terrier et al showed that people with morbid jealousy (including obsessional type) tend to make distortions and errors in their perceptions and interpretation of situations. Their cognition is based on faulty assumptions, thus cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and challenging distorted thoughts could be useful (8). Dolan et al proposed that a cognitive schema by a schemafocused treatment package could significantly reduce disturbance in all aspects of the jealousy syndrome (41).…”