Several hormones are implicated in the complex experience of jealousy, and their influence varies depending on sex and context. While no single hormone causes jealousy, several contribute to the behavioral and emotional responses associated with it.
Key Hormones and Their Roles
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Testosterone: Often associated with male mate-guarding behavior and aggression, high testosterone levels have been linked to increased jealousy in men (Wingfield et al., 1990; Gray et al., 2017). This hormone's influence on competitive behaviors and possessiveness likely contributes to jealous reactions.
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Vasopressin: Research indicates a role for vasopressin in aggressive behaviors, often observed in jealous responses (Winslow et al., 1993; Ferris and Delville, 1994; Stribley and Carter, 1999; Gobrogge and Wang, 2016). This hormone's influence on social bonding and territoriality may explain its connection to jealousy.
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Oxytocin: Surprisingly, the "love hormone," oxytocin, has also been linked to jealousy. Studies suggest a correlation between oxytocin and both positive and negative aspects of relationships, including jealousy (ScienceDaily, 2009; Imaging, Behavior and Endocrine Analysis of “Jealousy” in a ..., PMC5909987). This highlights the nuanced relationship between attachment and jealousy.
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Estrogen: In women, estrogen levels may play a significant role in modulating jealousy. Research suggests that jealousy might be influenced by fluctuations in estrogen throughout the menstrual cycle (Reported jealousy differs as a function of menstrual cycle stage and ..., ScienceDirect; Jealousy in women with migraine: a cross-sectional case-control ..., The Journal of Headache and Pain).
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Cortisol: Studies investigating the hormonal profile associated with jealousy have included cortisol, a stress hormone, in their analyses (Imaging, Behavior and Endocrine Analysis of “Jealousy” in a ..., PMC5909987). The presence of elevated cortisol suggests that the experience of jealousy is indeed stressful.
It's crucial to remember that hormonal influence on jealousy is multifaceted and interacts with individual differences, relationship dynamics, and situational context (There's Jealousy…and Then There's Jealousy: Differential Effects of ..., SpringerLink).
In Summary: Jealousy is a complex emotion not solely caused by a single hormone. Testosterone, vasopressin, oxytocin, estrogen, and cortisol all play potential roles, with their influence varying based on individual factors and context. Further research is needed to fully understand the intricate hormonal interplay contributing to this emotional experience.
