A Mixed-Methods Systematic Review: Infidelity, Romantic Jealousy and Intimate Partner Violence against Women

Marjorie Pichon, Sarah Treves-Kagan, Erin Stern, Nambusi Kyegombe, Heidi Stöckl and Ana Maria Buller
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Marjorie Pichon: Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1H 9SH, UK
Sarah Treves-Kagan: Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
Erin Stern: Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1H 9SH, UK
Nambusi Kyegombe: Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1H 9SH, UK
Heidi Stöckl: Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1H 9SH, UK
Ana Maria Buller: Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1H 9SH, UK

IJERPH, 2020, vol. 17, issue 16, 1-35

Abstract: Infidelity and romantic jealousy (RJ) are commonly cited relational level drivers of intimate partner violence (IPV) but remain undertheorized and underutilized in IPV research and prevention. This global systematic review aims to characterize the existing research on real or suspected infidelity and RJ in relation to IPV and inform future research and programming. We systematically searched 11 databases for peer-reviewed research, published between April 2009 and 2019, that provided data on the prevalence or a measure of association (quantitative), or pathway (qualitative), between real or suspected infidelity or RJ, and IPV. Fifty-one papers from 28 countries were included and the evidence showed a consistent association between real or suspected infidelity, RJ and IPV. Our findings identify three overarching mechanisms and six pathways between infidelity, RJ and IPV. These provide support for prominent theories in the field related to patriarchal culture, threatened masculinities and femininities and a lack of emotional regulation and conflict resolution skills, but not evolutionary theories. Our findings suggest that researchers should use standardized measurement tools that make the distinction between RJ and suspected, confirmed and accusations of infidelity. Policy and programming should aim to transform traditional gender roles, accounting for infidelity and RJ and improving couple’s communication and trust.

Keywords: intimate partner violence; domestic violence; family violence; spouse abuse; controlling behaviour; infidelity; unfaithfulness; romantic jealousy; gender; systematic review (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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