THE IMPACT OF ROMANTIC JEALOUSY ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SELF-ESTEEM AND SYMPTOMS OF RELATIONSHIP OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE DISORDER

Abstract

The present study highlights the importance of self-esteem in comprehending the quality of relationships concerning relationship obsessive-compulsive disorder (ROCD) symptoms, while exploring the links with romantic jealousy. Healthy self-esteem can lead to reduced jealousy in relationships contributing to more positive and fulfilling connections. The study draws its foundation from diverse theoretical frameworks, including risk-regulation and self-broadcasting perspectives. The research gathered data from a substantial non-clinical sample of 400 individuals between the age of 18–30 (Mean = 23.97, SD = 3.73) who were or had been involved in a heterosexual romantic relationship. The outcomes validated the hypotheses derived from the conceptual framework, showing that self-esteem predicted ROCD symptoms and that romantic jealousy mediated this association. Notably, self-esteem was found to have a direct impact, b = –.18, p < .001. The indirect effect through behavioral romantic jealousy was found to be significant (–.69). There were also strong negative correlations between self-esteem and different kinds of jealousy. Creating new approaches and strategies to evaluate and improve relationship satisfaction could have significant societal advantages.