Jealousy is a complex emotion that has been studied by scientists for decades. It is a common feeling that most people experience at some point in their lives.

Jealousy can be triggered by many different things, such as romantic partners, friends, family, and even strangers. But what causes jealousy? Science has some answers, and we have a video that explains it all.

What is jealousy?

Jealousy is an emotion that is typically characterized by fear, anxiety, and insecurity. It is often associated with the perception of a threat to an important relationship.

This perception can be real or imagined, and it can lead to a variety of negative emotions and behaviors.

Jealousy is a natural human emotion, and it can serve a number of different functions.

For example, it can motivate individuals to protect their relationships, to seek out more information about potential threats, and to improve themselves and their relationships.

The different types of jealousy

There are many different types of jealousy, including romantic jealousy, sibling jealousy, and professional jealousy, to name just a few. Each type of jealousy has its own unique characteristics and triggers.

Romantic jealousy, for example, is perhaps the most well-known type of jealousy. It is characterized by feelings of fear and anxiety about a partner’s real or imagined infidelity.

Sibling jealousy, on the other hand, is often triggered by a perceived unequal distribution of love or attention from parents. Professional jealousy is common in competitive industries, and can be triggered by a colleague’s success or recognition.

What causes jealousy?

Jealousy can be caused by a number of different factors, including insecurity, fear of loss, past experiences, personality traits, and even genetics.

Some people are more prone to jealousy than others. For example, individuals who are more anxious or have lower self-esteem may be more likely to experience jealousy.

Similarly, individuals who have been betrayed or abandoned in the past may be more likely to experience jealousy in future relationships.

Personality traits can also play a role in jealousy. Research has suggested that individuals who have a high level of neuroticism, or who are less emotionally stable, may be more prone to jealousy.

Other personality traits, such as narcissism or low agreeableness, may also be associated with jealousy.

How does the brain respond to jealousy?

Scientists have used brain imaging techniques to study the neural correlates of jealousy.

These studies have suggested that jealousy activates several different regions of the brain, including the amygdala, which is involved in processing emotions, and the anterior cingulate cortex, which is involved in regulating emotions and social behavior.

Studies have also suggested that jealousy may be associated with changes in the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, such as dopamine and serotonin.

These neurotransmitters play a role in regulating mood and emotions, and may be related to feelings of pleasure, reward, and satisfaction.

The negative effects of jealousy

While jealousy can serve some positive functions, such as motivating individuals to protect their relationships, it can also have negative effects.

Jealousy can lead to feelings of resentment, anger, and hostility, and can damage relationships and impair social functioning.

Jealousy can also be a potent source of stress, which can increase the risk of a range of physical and mental health problems, including cardiovascular disease, depression, and anxiety disorders.

The video you need to see about jealousy and its causes

To learn more about the science behind jealousy and its causes, check out this video from the team at SciShow Psych:.

The takeaway

Jealousy is a complicated emotion that is triggered by a variety of factors. It can serve both positive and negative functions, and can be associated with changes in the brain and neurotransmitter levels.

While jealousy is a natural human emotion, it is important to learn how to manage it and its negative effects.

The video we presented can be a helpful tool to learn more about jealousy and it’s fascinating triggers.