Sexual Orientations and Perceptions of Jealousy

Sexual Orientations and Perceptions of Jealousy by Evanie Atencio MAED, University of Phoenix, 2007 MBA, Regis University, 2002 BS, University of Phoenix, 1998 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Clinical Psychology Walden University May 2017 Abstract This study examined the participants’ level of jealousy towards their significant other and how it affects the longevity and commitment of their respective relationships. Based on a review of the literature, the research filled the gap of explaining the factor that affects the level of jealousy in monogamous relationships, particularly gender, and sexual orientation. Attachment theory was the theoretical construct that informed the research that addressed the gap in the literature. The research employed a quantitative method that used Rubin’s Love Scale, Hendrick’s Relationship Assessment Scale and Pfeiffer and Wong’s Multidimensional Jealousy Scale. Self-reporting questionnaires and surveys were used to measure the attachment process of all participants who are involved in a romantic, close relationship. Participants were assessed using 2 different methods to determine their level of relationship satisfaction and perceived jealousy they exhibit. The dependent variables were the level of relationship satisfaction and jealousy while the independent variables were gender and sexual orientation. It was hypothesized that gender and sexual orientation can be main determinants to understand the dynamics of jealousy and relationship satisfaction in monogamous relationships. The sample of the study was 132 individuals who were currently involved in a romantic, close monogamous and committed relationship in Colorado. The data from this study were analyzed using MANOVA, correlation analysis, and central tendencies. The results indicated that heterosexual samples had the highest level of relationship satisfaction, and the lowest levels of jealousy. In contrast, the bisexual samples had the highest level of jealousy. Homosexual samples had the lowest level of jealousy and had significantly greater levels of relationship satisfaction. These results and the limitations of the study are discussed.This study examined the participants’ level of jealousy towards their significant other and how it affects the longevity and commitment of their respective relationships. Based on a review of the literature, the research filled the gap of explaining the factor that affects the level of jealousy in monogamous relationships, particularly gender, and sexual orientation. Attachment theory was the theoretical construct that informed the research that addressed the gap in the literature. The research employed a quantitative method that used Rubin’s Love Scale, Hendrick’s Relationship Assessment Scale and Pfeiffer and Wong’s Multidimensional Jealousy Scale. Self-reporting questionnaires and surveys were used to measure the attachment process of all participants who are involved in a romantic, close relationship. Participants were assessed using 2 different methods to determine their level of relationship satisfaction and perceived jealousy they exhibit. The dependent variables were the level of relationship satisfaction and jealousy while the independent variables were gender and sexual orientation. It was hypothesized that gender and sexual orientation can be main determinants to understand the dynamics of jealousy and relationship satisfaction in monogamous relationships. The sample of the study was 132 individuals who were currently involved in a romantic, close monogamous and committed relationship in Colorado. The data from this study were analyzed using MANOVA, correlation analysis, and central tendencies. The results indicated that heterosexual samples had the highest level of relationship satisfaction, and the lowest levels of jealousy. In contrast, the bisexual samples had the highest level of jealousy. Homosexual samples had the lowest level of jealousy and had significantly greater levels of relationship satisfaction. These results and the limitations of the study are discussed. Sexual Orientations and Perceptions of Jealousy by Evanie Atencio MAED, University of Phoenix, 2007 MBA, Regis University, 2002 BS, University of Phoenix, 1998 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Clinical Psychology Walden University May 2017 Dedication This is dedicated to my Heavenly Father above for the strength and courage to finish this program, to my father and "hero," Macedonio Trujillo, who always, always believed in me (August 7, 1917January 12, 2014). Also to my husband, Thaddius J. Atencio, Sr., and my precious little son, Thaddius J. Atencio, Jr., who encouraged me to never give up on achieving this dream. I couldn't have done this without all of them. I love each of you with all my heart . This final one's for me because so many said, "I never could. "