ABSTRACT

Jealousy is a human feeling experienced by everyone in varying intensities, at different times and phases of growth. Frequently confused, jealousy and envy are often intertwined. Even within the psychoanalytic literature confusion persists and much less has been written about jealousy than envy. However, unlike envy, jealousy involves three entities and affects all people involved. It can be painful as other difficult-to-bear feelings (e.g. shame, guilt anger, hatred) underlie jealousy. Yet, total absence of jealousy renders a person less human, less relational. In analytic terms jealousy is a defense against emotional anguish.



This book begins with an extensive overview of the nature, developmental origins and poignant cultural (especially poetic) allusions to jealousy, emphasizing that it is through artistic expression that a true understanding of this frequently deeply disturbing feeling is achieved. It closes with a thoughtful summary, synthesis and critique of the chapters by 12 distinguished analysts.

part |25 pages

Prologue

part I|71 pages

Developmental Realm

chapter Chapter Two|15 pages

Jealousy among mothers

chapter Chapter Three|16 pages

Sibling jealousy

chapter Chapter Five|17 pages

Absence of jealousy

part II|46 pages

Cultural Realm

chapter Chapter Seven|18 pages

Race, sex, jealousy, and power *

chapter Chapter Eight|14 pages

Portrayals of jealousy in cinema

part III|80 pages

Clinical Realm

chapter Chapter Nine|12 pages

Retroactive jealousy

chapter Chapter Ten|18 pages

Jealousy betwixt envy

chapter Chapter Eleven|28 pages

Treating jealous patients

chapter Chapter Twelve|20 pages

Jealousy in countertransference

part |16 pages

Epilogue