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The geometry of the eternal triangle
Family Process
|June 1, 1994
Summary
Jealousy within relationships is best understood as a systems issue, not just individual psychopathology. A "love triangle" dynamic involving three individuals can create and sustain jealousy, impacting relationship health.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Family Systems Therapy
- Relationship Dynamics
Background:
- Jealousy is frequently linked to individual psychopathology.
- Psychodynamic theories attribute jealousy to ego-deficiency, insecurity, or libidinal drive issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose a systems-based understanding of jealousy when a primary love relationship is threatened.
- To identify the roles of individuals within a jealousy-inducing "eternal triangle".
Main Methods:
- Conceptual analysis of jealousy within relationship contexts.
- Application of systems theory to understand interpersonal dynamics.
Main Results:
- Jealousy can arise from a pathogenic "eternal triangle" involving three individuals.
- The triangle consists of a jealous partner, the "architect" (who may take a lover), and a third party intruding on the couple's boundaries.
Conclusions:
- A systems perspective is crucial for understanding jealousy in threatened relationships.
- Therapists must recognize the specific roles within the "eternal triangle" to address this dynamic effectively.