The Influence of Biology and Commitment Beliefs on Jealousy Responses

Research on biological sex differences in romantic jealousy suggests that males are more upset by sexual infidelity and females are more upset by emotional infidelity. Researchers identify two types of jealousy (i.e., sexual and emotional) and two types of commitment (i.e., sexual exclusivity and relational duration). The type of jealousy experienced may be a rational or emotional response to different commitment beliefs rather than dependent on biological sex. A sample of 230 college students completed various measures of commitment and jealousy as part of an online survey. People who valued sexually exclusive relationships were more distressed by sexual infidelity. People who valued long-term relationships were more distressed by emotional infidelity. Commitment beliefs predict jealousy responses irrespective of biological sex