An exploratory study of the heterogeneity of the jealousy phenomenon and its associations with affective temperaments and psychopathological dimensions in a large Brazilian sample

Abstract

Background: Jealousy is a heterogenous emotion on a spectrum from normality to psychopathology. The relation- ship between di ff erent jealousy subtypes/dimensions and a ff ective temperaments remain unknown. In addition, few large surveys have investigated the associations between jealousy subtypes and psychopathological dimensions. Methods: A Brazilian Portuguese version of the “ Questionario della Gelosia ” (QUEGE) was developed. We obtained data from an anonymous web-based research platform. So cio-demographic data was obtained and participants answered the QUEGE, the TEMPS-Rio de Janeiro, and the Symptom Checklist-90 -Revised (SCL-90-R). Results: 2042 participants (29% men, 71% female, mean age+SD: 28.9 ± 8.8 years), took part in this survey. Con fi rmatory factor analysis provided a fi ve-factor model for the QUEGE with self-esteem, paranoia, interpersonal sensitivity, fear of being abandoned, and obsessive dimensions. The anxious, irritable, cyclothymic, and depressive temperaments were independently associated with jealousy dimensions, whereas the hyperthymic temperament was associated with lower scores on the self-esteem jealousy dimension ( N =2042, P < 0.001). Jealousy subtypes were dissimilarly associated with SCL-90R psychopathological dimensions, whereas the ‘ obsessive ’ jealousy dimension was not signi fi cantly associated with SCL-90R dimension scores. We found no independent in fl uence of gender across any jealousy dimension. Limitations: A convenience web-based sample was employed. Cross-sectional design precludes the establish- ment of causal inferences. Conclusions: Our data indicate that a fi ve-factor solution may provide the best- fi t model for the QUEGE. Di ff erent jealousy subtypes were independently associated with a ff ective temperaments and psychopathological dimensions. These associations reported herein should be con fi rmed in prospective studies.