Measuring jealousy in intimate relationships: A systematic review of instruments and their psychometric qualities

Jealousy may constitute a risk factor for intimate partner violence (IPV). Several authors have validated instruments based on different theoretical models to measure jealousy. However, studies have yet to compare existing questionnaires to evaluate their psychometric properties and understand which instrument best helps to prevent IPV. The objective of the systematic review was to evaluate the psychometric properties of instruments for studying jealousy in intimate relationships. We focus on the reliability, validity, and overall effectiveness of self-report questionnaires used to measure this construct, identifying the most suitable tools for different populations and contexts. A search was conducted on the electronic databases of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Eric. Using inclusion and exclusion criteria, 32 studies were included, representing 21 instruments, with sample ages ranging from 13 to 65 years. Results revealed the presence of various scales for measuring jealousy: some focused on different triggers and relational consequences of jealousy, while others differed in their purpose and content. These instruments also differ in their psychometric properties, with most demonstrating adequate reliability and validity. However, there are limitations in the way this construct is conceptualized and measured, leading to difficulties in identifying the psychological mechanisms that contribute to pathological forms of jealousy. In conclusion, validated self-report measures of jealousy are crucial for advancing research and clinical practice, helping to identify maladaptive jealousy patterns and inform effective interventions. This work also underscores the need for future research to develop more comprehensive tools that capture the complex individual and relational factors involved in jealousy, particularly as a risk factor for IPV.