Unpacking the role of multidimensional romantic jealousy in the perpetration of cyber dating abuse: The mediating role of self-esteem

Abstract

Previous research has explored the potential role of romantic jealousy in the use of technology to facilitate cyber dating abuse against romantic partners. In this study, we examine the multidimensional nature of romantic jealousy and the mediating role of self-esteem in the perpetration of cyber dating abuse. While much of the existing literature treats cyber dating abuse as a single construct, we propose a more nuanced understanding by distinguishing between psychological abuse and relational cyber dating abuse. We collected data via an online survey with participants (N=496). Our findings indicate that both cognitive and behavioral jealousy are significant predictors of psychological and relational cyber dating abuse. Notably, cognitive jealousy moderates the relationship between behavioral jealousy and the perpetration of cyber dating abuse. Furthermore, low self-esteem mediates the relationship between high cognitive jealousy and psychological cyber dating abuse. These findings contribute to the existing literature by highlighting the role of multidimensional romantic jealousy in the context of psychological and relational cyber dating abuse. The findings have practical implications for policy development, therapeutic interventions, and strategies aimed at understanding and mitigating the perpetration of cyber dating abuse among young adults.