Assessing Jealousy: Factor Analyses, Measurement Invariance, Nomological Validity, and Longitudinal APIM Analyses of...

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Social Psychology
• Relationship Science

Background:

• The Multidimensional Jealousy Scale (MJS) is the established tool for assessing jealousy.
• Previous research has explored its structure and correlations with personality traits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate competing factor models of the MJS.
• To examine the MJS's external correlations with personality pathology and broad/narrow traits.
• To investigate the MJS's predictive validity for relationship satisfaction in couples over time.

Main Methods:

• Confirmatory factor analysis across four samples (N=2,117) to test measurement models.
• Analysis of longitudinal couple data (5-9 month lag) using Actor-Partner Interdependence Models.
• Examination of measurement invariance between romantic partners.

Main Results:

• A three-correlated-factor model provided the best fit, challenging the use of a total MJS score.
• The MJS demonstrated measurement invariance between romantic partners.
• MJS scores predicted relationship satisfaction for both actors and partners in longitudinal analyses.
• Associations with personality pathology and traits were replicated.

Conclusions:

• The MJS is best understood as a multidimensional construct with three correlated factors.
• The MJS is a valid predictor of relationship satisfaction within couples.
• Future revisions may consider addressing item wordings for inclusivity.