ASSESSMENT ON TRUST AND JEALOUSY OF LONG-DISTANCE MARRIED COUPLES IN CALOOCAN CITY

Abstract

Nadia Laviree’s statement, “Jealousy kills a relationship; trust makes it strong,” captures a fundamental truth experienced by many long-distance married couples in Caloocan City. Despite the physical distance between them, trust serves as the crucial foundation that strengthens their relationships. In the absence of regular in-person interaction, couples depend on loyalty, clear communication, and emotional intimacy to maintain their connection. Nevertheless, jealousy can still emerge from feelings of insecurity or uncertainty, potentially causing emotional strain. This study examines the interplay between trust and jealousy in long-distance marriages, seeking to better understand how trust is cultivated and the emotional effects jealousy has on couples. This study utilized a quantitative research design and employed snowball sampling to recruit legally married couples who have been living apart for a minimum of two years. To investigate the relationship between trust and jealousy, correlation and regression analyses were performed. Data collection was conducted through in-person surveys to ensure candid and thoughtful responses. The gathered data were then analyzed using SPSS statistical software to derive meaningful insights. The findings indicate a weak negative relationship between trust and jealousy, suggesting that while increased trust generally corresponds with reduced jealousy, the association is neither strong nor straightforward. This implies that trust and jealousy are not simply inverse concepts; rather, they are influenced by various factors such as individual insecurities, past experiences, and the quality of communication within the relationship. Addressing jealousy effectively requires more than just fostering trust—it also demands open and honest communication, consistent emotional support, and clearly established boundaries. Although trust provides a foundation of stability, emotional intimacy and mutual understanding are crucial for the growth and resilience of the relationship. Couples are encouraged to engage in open and sincere dialogue, cultivate self-awareness, and address issues early before they escalate. Professional marriage counseling can offer valuable support through trust-enhancing activities, structured conversations, and therapeutic approaches like cognitive-behavioral therapy to effectively manage feelings of jealousy. Future research should investigate additional influences on trust and jealousy, such as communication dynamics, stress management, and cultural backgrounds. Utilizing qualitative methods or longitudinal studies could provide more comprehensive insights into how long-distance couples sustain their relationships. Moreover, increasing the sample size and incorporating a wider demographic would improve the relevance and applicability of future findings.