Differences between Envy and Jealousy

Envy vs. Jealousy

Envy and jealousy are often used interchangeably in common language, but psychology distinguishes them as distinct emotional experiences. Envy is characterized by the desire for something that another person possesses, while jealousy is the fear of losing something one already has to a rival. Understanding the differences between these emotions is important for accurately identifying and managing personal feelings and social relationships.

Comparison Table

Category	Envy	Jealousy
Core Emotion	Longing, desire for another's possessions, qualities, or success.	Fear of losing a valued relationship or possession to a third party.
Number of Parties	Two: the self and the person who is envied.	Three: the self, the valued person/object, and the rival.
Primary Motivation	To acquire what the other person has.	To protect or guard what one already possesses.
Associated Feelings	Feelings of inferiority, admiration, discontent, and sometimes resentment.	Feelings of suspicion, insecurity, anger, and anxiety.
Focus	Another person's advantages (e.g., success, traits, possessions).	A valued relationship or possession that is under threat.
Example	Wanting your coworker's promotion and higher salary.	Fearing your partner is becoming emotionally close to someone else.

Venn diagram comparing Differences between Envy and Jealousy

Psychological Basis

From a psychological perspective, both envy and jealousy are tied to social comparison, but they stem from different perceived circumstances. Envy arises from an upward social comparison, where an individual perceives another as superior in some way, leading to feelings of inadequacy or longing. Research has identified two forms of envy: benign envy, which can motivate self-improvement, and malicious envy, which includes a desire for the envied person to lose their advantage.

Jealousy, conversely, is rooted in the perceived threat to a valued connection. It functions as a protective emotion, alerting an individual to potential rivals and motivating behaviors to safeguard the relationship. While often associated with romantic relationships, jealousy can occur in friendships and family dynamics as well. Psychologists note that jealousy is often linked to attachment styles and personal insecurities. Both emotions can be traced to the biological affect of shame, which is triggered when one feels a threat to their self-esteem through comparison or potential loss.

Cultural Perspectives

The expression and perception of envy and jealousy can vary across different cultures. In individualistic cultures that emphasize personal achievement, envy might be more openly acknowledged and can sometimes serve as a motivator for competition. In collectivist cultures, where group harmony is highly valued, the expression of envy may be suppressed to maintain social cohesion.

Similarly, cultural norms shape the triggers and expression of jealousy. Anthropological studies have shown that what constitutes a trigger for jealousy can differ significantly based on a society's values regarding relationships, property, and social status. Attitudes toward jealousy have also changed over time within cultures; for instance, what might have been seen as a justifiable defense of a relationship in one era may be viewed as a sign of insecurity in another. This suggests that while envy and jealousy are common human emotions, the context in which they are experienced and expressed is heavily influenced by social and cultural factors.