Interpersonal relationships and the way in which we establish and maintain them play an essential role in every individual's life, since we are, by our nature, social beings. Therefore we strongly feel it is important to constantly explore in widen the cumulative body of knowledge in the field of interpersonal / partner relations. Through the Master's thesis, we presented the basic theoretical concepts in this area focusing specifically on exploring the dynamics between the three following components: Attachment type, jealousy and quality of the partnership.
We carried out a quantitative survey, which involved 117 respondents, of which the majority were female participants (83%). The average age of respondents was 32.6. The average of partnership of participants was 9.4 years.
Based on the presented theory, we set the eleven hypotheses which also served as the basis for the experimental part of the thesis. With the use of Interpersonal jealousy scale (IJS), Relationship questionnaire (RQ), Experiences in Close Relationships-Revised questionnaire (ECR-R) and Kansas Marital Satisfaction Scale (KMS), we confirmed nine out of eleven set hypotheses.
Our findings are consistent with the literature, which highlights the strong correlation of predominant attachment style and feelings of jealousy in a relationship. Individuals with a predominantly Secure attachment style (type A), are more open to entering into partner relationships, feel a higher degree of positive jealousy, and less of negative jealousy along with experiencing higher relationship quality.
On the other hand, the results confirmed that individuals with an Insecure attachment style, regardless of gender and marital status, experience more negative jealousy, anxiety and avoidance tendencies,, which also means a lower sense of quality of the relationship itself. Individuals with a higher degree of jealousy are characterized by mistrust in others and their fear that others will hurt and disappoint them.
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Research and knowledge in the field of jealousy, interpersonal relationships and attachment styles, provide therapists with a powerful insight into partner relationships from a new angle, enabling them to provide a higher quality of professional attention and treatment for their clients.
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