Rebecca syndrome

Rebecca syndrome, also known as Retroactive jealousy, is the pathological emergence of jealousy towards an ex-partner of the current partner of the person experiencing it. The feeling of jealousy is considered pathological when it arises without solid grounds and when it reaches dimensions that affect the normal behavior of the person suffering from it.

Origin of the name
It is named in homage to the novel Rebecca, written by Daphne du Maurier. The novel tells the story of the second spouse of a widower whose life is tormented by the idea that they will never be able to compete with Rebecca, the previous wife of their husband, who everyone claims was beautiful.

The success of the novel was such that it was adapted into a film by Alfred Hitchcock and into a radio play by Orson Welles. It has also inspired other authors such as Susan Hill, the author of Mrs. de Winter, and Carmen Posadas, the author of The Rebecca Syndrome: A Guide to Conjure Ghosts.