Jealousy is a very powerful emotion

Their study showed that without jealous conflict, three-fourths of the married individuals surveyed were extremely satisfied with the emotional aspects of their marriage.

However, the chances of having that same level of satisfaction dropped to less than half if jealousy entered the equation. 

"We associate certain rewards with marriage, but there are risks to it as well," said Anthony Paik, assistant professor of sociology in the UI College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

"The advantages to marriage include deep commitment and trust. But when jealousy occurs in a marriage, that tension can have devastating effects on emotional and physical satisfaction. It’s not a straightforward story that marriage produces happier relationships," he added. 

"Jealousy is a very powerful emotion. In many cases, jealousy or love triangles are the motive for homicide or other violent crimes between intimates,” he said.