Intentional Jealousy-Evoking Behavior in Romantic Relationships as a Function of Received Partner Affection and Love Styles

Abstract

This study examined how (a) affection received from a partner and (b) love styles (i.e., eros, ludus, storge, pragma, mania, and agape) predicted the use of jealousy-evoking behaviors in romantic relationships. Participants were 197 undergraduate students currently involved in a committed romantic relationship, who completed a survey reporting on their partners' expressions of affection and their own perceived love styles and uses of jealousy evocation in their relationships. Results indicated that (a) after controlling for relationship length, the amount of affection received from a partner was inversely correlated with the use of jealousy-evoking behaviors, and (b) after controlling for relationship length and received affection, the ludus and mania love styles remained positive predictors of jealousy-evoking behavior. No other love styles were significant predictors.

Keywords:

• Affection
• Jealousy
• Love Styles

Notes

*p < .05. **p < .01. ***p < .001 (two-tailed).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Alan K. Goodboy

Alan K. Goodboy (Ph.D., West Virginia University, 2007) is an associate professor in the Department of Communication Studies at West Virginia University.

Sean M. Horan

Sean M. Horan (Ph.D., West Virginia University, 2009) is an assistant professor in the College of Communication at DePaul University.

Melanie Booth-Butterfield

Melanie Booth-Butterfield (Ph.D., University of Missouri, 1985) is the McConnell Professor of Speech Communication in the Department of Communication Studies at West Virginia University.