For instance, an adult who grows up with an extreme fear of rejection or betrayal may be the result of uneven care or neglect for their child. The cognitive distortions could be the second factor. According to cognitive theories, incorrect thought processes frequently lead to pathological envy. People who have this illness may exhibit cognitive errors such overgeneralization, in which they interpret individual instances as representative of a larger betrayal pattern. These misconceptions increase feelings of jealousy by fostering a perpetual state of distrust and vigilance.

A person's personality characteristics also have a role in their increased vulnerability to pathological jealousy. People who possess characteristics like high degrees of neuroticism, low self-esteem, and reliance may be more prone to irrational jealousy. Individuals possessing these characteristics could be inclined to view typical relationship dynamics as intimidating. Moreover, pathological jealousy can also arise as a result of the dynamics in close relationships. Envy can be made worse by unresolved disputes, a lack of trust, and poor communication. When people interpret their partner's acts or demeanor as evidence of adultery or betrayal, these beliefs can become deeply embedded and reinforce one another.

The intensity and duration of pathological jealousy surpass those of ordinary jealousy. People with this illness could question their partner's faithfulness, scrutinize their communications excessively, or put severe limits on their behavior. There is a risk that this constant observation will cause serious psychological and emotional harm. The psychological effects of pathological jealousy can be rather severe for the person experiencing it. The illness is frequently accompanied by feelings of inadequacy, sadness, and chronic worry. Persistent emotional upheaval can be detrimental to one's general quality of life as well as one's own wellbeing.

Jealousy can be viewed as an adaptive reaction that serves to regulate competitive dynamics and safeguard significant social connections from an evolutionary standpoint. People who were watchful of possible dangers to their relationships had a selection advantage in ancestral environments where social alliances and resource acquisition were tightly linked to survival and reproductive success.

According to a major evolutionary theory, jealousy developed as a defense mechanism for mates. For ancestral humans, successful reproduction depended on the commitment and loyalty of one's spouse. Therefore, pathological jealousy may be an exaggerated version of this adaptive behavior, in which utmost caution is used to assure paternity certainty and prevent adultery. By protecting their reproductive resources, those who exhibit this type of envy may be more likely to pass on their genes to future generations.

Apart from protecting one's partner, jealousy also contributes to the upkeep of social hierarchies and resource access. There is fierce struggle for resources and position in complex social organizations. Driven by the need to defend one's privileges and position within a group, pathological jealousy can seem as an exaggerated response to perceived threats to one's social standing or access to resources. Additionally, jealousy might serve to strengthen emotional ties. Jealousy in intimate relationships could be a symptom of how committed and attached someone is to the other person. Evolutionarily, this might guarantee ongoing assistance and resource sharing by strengthening bonds and preventing mate desertion.

Although theories based on evolution offer a foundation for comprehending the origins of jealousy, pathological jealousy is shaped by both personal psychological characteristics and contemporary societal situations. These emotions can be heightened by the differences between our ancestral settings and modern life, which might result in maladaptive behaviors. Jealousy can be intensified by the fact that, for instance, modern relationships frequently entail sophisticated social interactions and technological advancements that were not possible in ancestral contexts.