Jealousy is a complex emotion that encompasses feelings ranging from suspicion to rage to fear to humiliation . It strikes people of all ages, genders, and sexual orientations, and is most typically aroused when a person perceives a threat to a valued relationship from a third party. The threat may be real or imagined.
What Is Jealousy? (Plain Language Explanation)
Jealousy refers to a pattern of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that many people experience. While it can be challenging, it's also well-understood and treatable.
Key Terms to Know About Jealousy
- Symptoms: The specific ways jealousy shows up for you
- Triggers: Situations or thoughts that activate or worsen jealousy
- Evidence-based: Treatments backed by scientific research
- Comorbidity: When jealousy occurs alongside other conditions
3 Things Most People Don't Know About Jealousy
- Jealousy is far more common than most people realize
- Jealousy is not caused by weakness — it has identifiable biological and psychological causes
- Most people with jealousy see significant improvement with the right support
Your Next Steps
Learning about jealousy is just the beginning. If you think you're experiencing jealousy, speaking with a mental health professional is the most valuable next step.