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Behavioral Jealousy Scale

Behavioral Jealousy Scale

Do you often find yourself acting overly protective or controlling of your partner? Take this test to find out if you suffer from 'behavioral jealousy.'

Mark Travers, Ph.D.

By Mark Travers, Ph.D.

February 7, 2024

Mark Travers, Ph.D., is the lead psychologist at Awake Therapy, responsible for new client intake and placement. Mark received his B.A. in psychology, magna cum laude, from Cornell University and his M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Colorado Boulder. His academic research has been published in leading psychology journals and has been featured in The New York Times and The New Yorker, among other popular publications. He is a regular contributor for Forbes and Psychology Today, where he writes about psycho-educational topics such as happiness, relationships, personality, and life meaning. Click here to schedule an initial consultation with Mark or another member of the Awake Therapy team. Or, you can drop him a note here.

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Behavioral jealousy encompasses the observable actions and reactions individuals display in response to perceived threats to their relationships. It can manifest as possessiveness, monitoring and controlling actions aimed at exerting dominance or safeguarding against potential rivals. Stemming from fear and insecurity, behavioral jealousy is often a response to real or imagined threats, shaping the interactions and dynamics within intimate relationships.

If unaddressed, behavioral jealousy can lead to increased conflict, erosion of trust and even psychological or emotional abuse. Recognizing the signs of behavioral jealousy allows for early intervention and targeted support to address underlying insecurities and maladaptive relationship patterns, fostering healthier relationship dynamics and preventing potential harm.

The behavioral dimension of the Multidimensional Jealousy Scale is vital for assessing and understanding jealous actions. With this tool, researchers and clinicians are offered valuable insights into individuals' experiences and relationship dynamics. By systematically measuring the severity and frequency of behavioral jealousy symptoms, this scale can mitigate jealousy's detrimental effects and promote healthier relationship functioning.

You can take this test here. Please follow all of the steps to receive your results.

References: Pfeiffer, S. M. & Wong, P. T. P. (1989). Multidimensional jealousy. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 6(2). 181-196. doi:10.1177/026540758900600203

Step 1: Rate the following statements based on how much you agree with them on a scale of strongly disagree to strongly agree.

1. I look through my partner’s drawers, handbag or pockets.

2. I call my partner unexpectedly, just to see if they are there.

3. I question my partner about previous or present romantic relationships.

4. I say something nasty about someone if my partner shows an interest in that person.

5. I question my partner about their telephone calls.

6. I question my partner about their whereabouts.

7. I join in whenever I see my partner talking to someone else.

8. I pay my partner a surprise visit just to see who is with them.

0 of 0 questions answered

Step 2: Enter your age, gender, region, and first name so we can provide you with a detailed report that compares your test scores with people similar to you.

What is your age?

What is your gender?

What region of the world do you live in?

What is your first name?

Step 3: Check to make sure you've provided answers to all of the statements/questions above. Once you've done that, click the button below to send your responses to Awake Therapy's Lead Psychologist, Mark Travers, Ph.D. He will provide you with an overview of how you scored relative to others (all answers are anonymized and confidential to protect users' privacy). He can also answer any follow-up questions you may have.