The Effect of Envy on Psychological Well-Being

No evidence is found for the idea that envy acts as a useful motivator. The authors go on to say that greater envy is associated with slower growth of psychological well-being in the future. So you could again make a contra-Birtchen Russell argument. Like, envy is really a terrific impetus for us to get better ourselves. And at least this paper is making the argument that no, it doesn't make you grow up faster.