DELUSIONAL AND ABNORMAL JEALOUSY IN INTIMATE  RELATIONSHIPS: PRESENTATIONS AND PSYCHOSOCIAL  CORRELATES

Introduction 
Abnormal jealousy, notably delusional jealousy, poses extensive psychosocial challenges across cultures, significantly impacting individuals and their relationships. However, research on delusional jealousy remains sparse. The current study addresses this gap through two phases. Phase 1 aimed to report the frequency of delusional jealousy as a presenting complaint, examine gender differences in its manifestation and thought patterns, and understand psychological mechanisms linked to delusional jealousy. Phase 2 involved a web-based survey to estimate the prevalence of morbid jealousy in the community, identify its predictors, and explore help-seeking tendencies. 

Methods 
In Phase 1, a descriptive cross-sectional study and Interpretative Phenomenological  Analysis (IPA) were conducted among patients diagnosed with delusional disorder (jealous type) at the NIMH, NHSL, THK, and Norris Clinic from May to August 2017. Data collection tools included a General Information Sheet, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Modified Possessiveness Scale, Sexual Schema Activation in Sexual Context  Questionnaire, and General Relationship Assessment Scale, all of which were self administered. Structured and in-depth interviews were held with selected participants.  In Phase 2, a web-based survey was conducted on the Q-Point online software platform from December 2019 to December 2020, with participants responding to questions about  their partners. 

Results 

76 patients were reported at the study settings and a response rate of 72.36% was achieved, with participants’ ages ranging from 24 to 73 (mean: 44.15 ± 11.58). The sample A Systematic Investigation on Abnormal Jealousy included 39 (70.9%) men and 16 (29.1%) women, with a frequency of delusional jealousy cases in mental health services at 0.74%. Most participants were married and cohabitating (67.3%), had an educational level below O/L (42.59%), and were employed (64.8%). IPA  revealed four core themes in delusional jealousy: suspiciousness, checking, possessiveness and violence, and controlling behaviours. Thought patterns of untrustworthiness, fear of  abandonment, feelings of being flawed, unloved, humiliated, worthless, and lonely were common across genders. Mean self-esteem was 17.33 ± 3.55, with 69.56% reporting average self-esteem. Possessiveness and relationship satisfaction had means of 73.38 ± 11.68 and 20.34 ± 6.35, respectively. Moderate to frequent sexual dysfunction affected 6.7%-14.3% of participants. IPV was reported by 75% of partners and 64% of patients, with no significant difference (p = 0.373). However, female partners were at higher risk of  IPV exposure, with a significant gender difference (p =.041). Daily IPV exposure was  reported by 58.8% of partners and 46.7% of patients. Additionally, 36% of participants smoked, and 26.3% consumed alcohol daily. Phase 2, 441 participants met prerequisites for screening. Partners’ ages ranged from  16 to 75 (mean: 34 ± 8.5), with 66% female and 33.8% male. Abnormal jealousy was found in 7.7% of internet users’ partners, with predictors including partner sex (p = .043)  and relationship status (p = 0.003). Of those who met abnormal jealousy criteria, 14.7% sought help, though only 20% consulted a licensed mental health professional. Unwillingness to seek help was the main reason for not pursuing professional intervention  (33.33%). 

Conclusions

Delusional jealousy in mental health services was rare (