Study: Shorter people are more prone to envy and jealousy

People who are dissatisfied with their short stature are more prone to feelings of envy, jealousy, and competitiveness, especially toward individuals of their gender. This conclusion was reached by psychologists from the University of Western Sydney. The findings were published in the journal "Evolutionary Behavioral Sciences (EBS)".

The study involved 302 adult participants from the United States. Researchers measured the participants’ exact height and gauged their level of dissatisfaction with it. This data was then compared to results from psychological assessments of envy, jealousy, and competitiveness.

The results showed that individuals who perceived a significant gap between their actual height and their ideal height exhibited the highest levels of competitiveness. This effect was particularly noticeable among men: those dissatisfied with their height were more likely to feel anger toward successful peers and envy toward physically attractive rivals. Female participants also displayed high levels of envy, though their competitiveness was more closely tied to a desire for social superiority.

The researchers emphasized that these emotions are not directly linked to a person’s physical characteristics, but rather to their subjective negative self-image. They noted that pressure to conform to cultural standards heightens anxiety, which in turn affects behavior in the workplace, personal relationships, and daily life.

Previously, a separate group of scientists led by Professor Hiromi Sakai from Nara University of Medicine in Japan developed a new type of artificial blood that can be transfused into patients of any blood type.