Which of the following is NOT an individual difference related to jealousy?

• A. Dependence on a relationship
• B. Feelings of inadequacy in a relationship
• C. A secure attachment style
• D. Gender

Answer: (D)

Jealousy tends to vary with internal relationship dynamics rather than broad demographic categories. Individual differences that predict how jealous someone will feel include how securely they are attached (secure attachment generally buffers against jealousy), how dependent they are on the relationship for happiness or self-worth (greater dependence can heighten jealousy), and how insecure or inadequate they feel about the relationship (more insecurity fuels jealous reactions).

Gender, by contrast, does not consistently predict jealousy across people. Research shows no robust, universal difference in jealousy proneness between men and women, though there might be differences in how jealousy is expressed rather than how likely it is to occur. Because of this, gender is not considered an individual difference related to jealousy in the same way as attachment style, dependence, or feelings of inadequacy.