Romantic Movies on Relationship Essay Example

However, other factors such as personality traits - like obsessiveness and neuroticism -, cultural variables, evolutionary pressures, and relationship factors have also been identified as predictors of jealousy (Rydell, McConnell & Bringle, 2004). Furthermore, Erikson's psychosocial theory suggests that during early adulthood, when individuals explore interpersonal relationships, the developmental stage of intimacy vs. isolation occurs (Nosko, Tieu, Lawford ; Pratt, 2011).

Despite the potential for anxious attachment style, which may lead to increased jealousy and insecurity in relationships (Collins, Cooper, Albino ; Allard, 2002; Nosko et al. 2011), there is a lack of research specifically on jealousy portrayal in television. One study conducted by Comstock and Strzyzewski (1990) videotaped 29 hours of prime time television programmes in 1987 to 1988 and found that jealousy was portrayed in 48.9% of instances. Their analysis showed that romantic involvement with a rival posed the biggest threat for a jealous individual (Comstock ; Strzyzewski, 1990). Another study by Rydell et al. is mentioned but not further explained.

According to a study conducted in 2004, the presence of a threat can induce jealousy in individuals who may experience it more intensely when negative information is received regarding their compatibility in a high commitment relationship. Additionally, research cited in Barelds and Barelds-Dijkstra (2007) reveals three forms of jealousy which include reactive, possessive, and anxious jealousy. Reactive jealousy involves a higher emotional component when a person experiences negative feelings due to a partner being unfaithful either emotionally or sexually. Possessive jealousy involves behavioral control where an individual restricts their partner's contact with the opposite gender. In contrast, anxious jealousy involves cognitive aspects such as rumination, distrust, worry, anxiety, and suspicion. The study found

that anxious jealousy has a negative correlation with relationship quality while reactive jealousy has a positive correlation (Barelds & Barelds-Dijkstra, 2007). Furthermore, this article explores how movies can influence real-life relationships and the concept of jealousy.

This section discusses jealousy in romantic movies, which often appears in the form of a rival threatening a relationship. In When a Man Loves a Woman (1994), Michael became jealous when Alice's guy-friend wanted to talk to her in private and she happily spent time with him. In Valentine's Day (2010), Jason was annoyed when he caught Liz having phone sex with another man. Similarly, in Beauty and the Briefcase (2010), Tom was jealous of Lane dating everyone in the office except him and doubted her article about Seth and their sexual exploits. These films may negatively affect young couples by making them suspicious about their own relationships.