Does jealousy cause murder–or does alcoholism cause jealous rage?
Is it jealousy–or is it psychotropic drug addiction-driven jealousy that is the leading cause of murder?
“Jealousy is possibly the most destructive emotion housed in the human brain. It’s the leading cause of spousal murder worldwide, according to analyses I did of data over the last century.”
So said David M. Buss, professor of psychology at the University of Texas, in explaining why astronaut Lisa Nowak tracked down and threatened her romantic rival after driving 900 miles in a diaper. It just goes to show, you can prove anything with statistics.
I was reminded of this myth when recently reading that Nowak, awaiting trial on charges of attacking her romantic rival, was allowed by the court to remove her ankle bracelet (intended to prevent her from getting anywhere near her perceived rival). It’s a pervasive myth that leads many to believe that this common symptom of alcoholism can be successfully treated without tackling the root problem.
Most of us have felt jealousy. However, it’s a huge leap from feeling emotions to acting out on them in particularly destructive ways. Those with a functioning neo-cortex restrain lower impulses that cause some to beat up or murder their rivals. Those with alcoholism, due to brain damage, have no such restraint. The evidence suggests that almost all murders are committed by alcohol or other-drug addicts and often in an alcohol-fueled rage.
If we are to improve outcomes in the criminal justice system, we need to look first at the likelihood of addiction and, if it exists, treat it. Usually, the person underneath is a decent human being who committed heinous acts only because of brain damage rooted in alcoholism. Attempting to treat jealousy, anger and other emotional states leaves the underlying problem untreated, which serves to perpetuate destructive acts.