Determining Jealousy in Young Adults
Jealousy represents a complex psychological phenomenon with a significant impact on an individual’s emotional and relational functioning, being considered a relevant indicator of personality organization. Beyond its immediate affective dimension, jealousy reflects the way early relational experiences, attachment styles, defensive mechanisms, and emotional regulation processes interact within the individual’s psychic structure. Persistent and maladaptive manifestations of jealousy may indicate structural vulnerabilities and difficulties in affective integration, whereas transient and adaptive forms are associated with secure attachment and mature defensive mechanisms. In this context, the analysis of jealousy provides an important perspective on personality organization and contributes to the development of psychotherapeutic interventions focused on mentalization, emotional regulation, and the strengthening of mature defense mechanisms.