Jealousy in Partner Relationship from the Point of View of Relational Family Paradigm and Clinical Practice
This doctoral dissertation, titled Jealousy in Partner Relationship from the Point of View of Relational Family Paradigm and Clinical Practice, studies jealousy based on theoretical findings related to the relational paradigm and describes two studies addressing the correlation between jealousy and one’s psychological traits as well as therapies performed in practice using the systemic and relational family therapy method.
In foreign countries, jealousy is often treated in the field of marriage and family therapy, while Slovene marriage and family therapists using the systemic and relational model do not have much experience in this field. Furthermore, no research proving the effectiveness of the relational family therapy (RFT) method in treating jealousy in a relationship has been conducted. This doctoral dissertation is thus significant due to its in-depth approach to studying jealousy in terms of one’s psychological traits and reasons for jealousy as well as psychosocial support and treatment using the RFT method.
The doctoral dissertation comprises a theoretical and an empirical part, presenting quantitative and qualitative studies, which form a whole in the context of the original contribution of the doctoral dissertation. The quantitative part of the study included 206 participants, who responded to Relationship Questionnaire (RQ), Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), a part of Systemic Therapy Inventory of Change questionnaire (a part of the initial STIC), Interpersonal Jealousy Scale (IJS) and Infidelity Scale (IS). The study confirmed that in Slovenia there is a statistically significant positive correlation between jealousy and a negative family atmosphere, forcing behaviour of family members, sexual and emotional abuse among family members and physical aggression, as well as a statistically significant negative correlation between a pleasant family atmosphere and the presence of familial pride. The study also determined a statistically significant positive correlation between jealousy and an (un)secure attachment, a fearful- avoidant and preoccupied-avoidant attachment style, and a statistically significant negative correlation between jealousy and a secure attachment. A statistically significant positive correlation between jealousy and traumatic experience in form of sexual, physical and emotional abuse or physical or emotional neglect in one's childhood and jealousy, which is developed in one's adult intimate relationships, was also determined. A statistically significant correlation between jealousy and age or infidelity or difference between jealousy and gender, however, was not determined.
In the second study, based on qualitative work, we used the RFT method to conduct semi- structured interviews with 17 marriage and family therapists. We studied their experience in couples therapy with clients who had problems with jealousy, addressing characteristics (importance) of therapy, family background of clients, interventions used by therapists, key moments in therapy, sensations in clients and therapists during therapy as well as the success of therapy in terms of treating jealousy in a relationship and the success of therapy from therapists' viewpoint. We determined that most of the clients who participated in 22 therapy sessions described went into therapy with their partner and that in 81.82 % of cases jealousy was a result of other problems. In most cases, therapy was performed in form of 12 therapy sessions, and to treat jealousy, therapists used different interventions. Therapies were successful and contributed to a change in clients' expression of emotions, confidence and the ability to take responsibility. The study also confirmed a positive outcome of the therapies, as in 77.27 % of cases partners stayed together and managed to improve their relationship. In other cases, clients were able to identify the cause for jealousy, gain insight into their partner's distress, get into touch with themselves, enhance their confidence or start to take better care of themselves. The described results of the second research have been confirmed with a separate analysis of three client interviews.
In our research, the model of systemic and relational family therapy thus proved to be successful and effective in the therapeutic treatment of romantic jealousy.
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