Yes, it is possible for feelings of jealousy towards friends' parents to develop after having a bad relationship with one's own parents during childhood. Childhood experiences, particularly those involving parental relationships, can significantly impact a person's emotional development and how they perceive relationships later in life.
If someone had a difficult or strained relationship with their own parents during childhood, it may lead to feelings of envy or jealousy when they observe positive and nurturing relationships between their friends and their parents. This emotional reaction can stem from a desire for the love, attention, and care that they might have lacked in their own upbringing.
In healthy parent-child relationships, children often receive emotional support, validation, and affection from their parents. However, if a person experienced neglect, abuse, or emotional distance from their own parents, they might find themselves longing for the emotional support that they see their friends receiving from their parents.
Feelings of jealousy towards friends' parents can also be influenced by feelings of inadequacy or low self-esteem resulting from the negative experiences with their own parents. They might perceive their friends' parents as being "better" or "luckier" parents, leading to feelings of resentment or envy.
It's important to recognize that these feelings are a natural response to the experiences and emotions a person went through during their formative years. If someone is experiencing such feelings, it could be helpful to explore these emotions with a therapist or counselor to gain insight, process past experiences, and work towards healing and developing healthier relationships in the present and future. Self-awareness and understanding can go a long way in managing and transforming these emotions into positive growth and development.