Article

Intrapersonal, Interpersonal, and Contextual Factors in Engaging in and Responding to Extramarital Involvement

June 2005
Clinical Psychology Science and Practice 12(2):101-130

DOI:10.1093/clipsy/bpi014

Authors:

David C Atkins

University of Washington Seattle

Donald H. Baucom

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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Extramarital involvement (EMI) occurs with high prevalence among couples in clinical and community settings, frequently resulting in considerable distress both to participants and their spouses. The field lacks a synthesized review of this literature. Without such a synthesis, it has been difficult for researchers and clinicians to have an understanding of what is and is not known about EMI. This article reviews the large and scattered EMI literature using a framework that encompasses multiple source domains across the temporal process of engaging in and responding to EMI. In addition, this review delineates conceptual and methodological limitations to previous work in this area and articulates directions for further research.

Is Infidelity Contagious? Online Exposure to Norms of Adultery and Its Effect on Expressions of Desire for Current and Alternative Partners

Article

Full-text available

Aug 2022
ARCH SEX BEHAV

Research exploring the determinants of infidelity has mainly focused on individual and relationship characteristics that render relationships vulnerable, paying less attention to the external circumstances that increase the likelihood of straying. The present research examined whether online exposure to norms of adultery would affect expressions of desire for alternative mates. In three studies, romantically involved participants were exposed to others’ cheating behavior and then thought of or encountered attractive strangers. Their relationship perceptions and reactions during these experiences (fantasmatic themes, expressed interest in alternative partners, and overt flirtation with them in Studies 1–3, respectively) were recorded. Results showed that following exposure to others’ cheating behavior, participants were less likely to devalue the attractiveness of alternative partners and to be committed to their relationship. These findings suggest that exposure to adultery norms decreases the awareness of long-term priorities of relationship maintenance, lessening the resistance to the temptation of attractive alternatives.

THE CHEATING HEART: PHENOMENOLOGY OF WOMEN WHO DECIDED TO HAVE MARITAL INFIDELITY

Article

Full-text available

Oct 2021

Rinanda Rizky Amalia Shaleha

Infidelity in marriage is a complex process. People have different reasons for deciding to have a relationship outside of marriage. This study aims to investigate the reasons of married women for having marital infidelity and explore the risk factors that cause it. This research was conducted using a qualitative approach with phenomenology as the method. Three women who have had marital infidelity are willing to be subjects in this study. Data was collected by using open interview and observation methods. As a result, failed conflict resolution, different communication styles, low-quality time, low intimacy, unfulfilled expectations from partners, and the absence of protective factors are factors that cause women to have an affair.

Suspicious minds: The psychological, physical and behavioral consequences of suspecting a partner’s infidelity

Article

Nov 2020
J SOC PERS RELAT

Guided by transactional stress theory, this study examined the psychological, physical, and behavioral consequences of the suspicion of a partner’s infidelity. Survey data collected from 246 individuals revealed that suspecting a partner’s infidelity was associated with greater reported suspicion-related distress, depression, physical health symptoms, and risky health behavior. Mediation and moderated mediation analyses revealed that the relationship between suspected infidelity and well-being was indirectly affected by suspicion-related distress. The effects of suspected infidelity were particularly hard on those with higher beliefs in the importance of fidelity, a history of infidelity in the relationship, and higher relationship satisfaction. The findings show that the mere suspicion of a partner’s infidelity can have powerful psychological, physical, and behavioral consequences in romantic relationships.

Prevalence and Patterns of Extramarital Sex among Chinese Men and Women: 2000-2015

Article

Aug 2020

Despite growing concern about the “sexual revolution” in China in the past decades, empirical evidence regarding the national trends in prevalence and patterns of extramarital sex (EMS) remains sparse. This study aimed to fill this gap, using data from a population-based, repeated cross-sectional survey administered at four time points during the period 2000–2015. EMS was assessed by asking whether a person in marriage had engaged in sexual activity with someone else during the relationship with his/her current partner. Our findings showed that among married adults aged 20–59, the occurrence rate of EMS nearly tripled over the period 2000–2015, increasing from 12.9% to 33.4% for men, and from 4.7% to 11.4% for women. Moreover, in the early years of this century, EMS was negatively associated with older age (50–59 years), lower educational level (elementary and below) and rural residence for men, and negatively associated with older age and positively associated with higher educational level (college and above) for women. All these differences, however, disappeared in more recent years. Overall, this study indicates a marked increase in EMS, a widening gender gap in EMS, and for each gender, a convergence of EMS across various sociodemographic groups.

Intentions and Attitudes of University Students towards Infidelity: Investment Model Perspective

Thesis

Aug 2019

Omer Anlatan

This study examines to what extent commitment level of Turkish university students predicts their intentions and attitudes towards infidelity with the unique contributions of satisfaction, investment size, and quality of alternatives as the components of the Investment Model after some demographic (age and gender) and relational variables (duration of relationship) are controlled. The sample of the present study consisted of 403 Turkish university students (83.4 % female; 15.9 % male) who were in a current romantic relationship. The Personal Information Form, the Relationship Stability Scale, the Intentions towards Infidelity Scale, and the Attitudes towards Infidelity Scale were used for data collection. Convenience sampling method and quantitative correlational design was utilized for the present study. A Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA), two seperate independent samples t-tests, a simultaneous multiple regression, and two seperate hierarchical multiple regression analyses were conducted for examining research questions. According to the results, men showed significantly higher intentions and more positive attitudes towards infidelity. On the other hand, no significant difference observed between men and women on the Investment Model variables. Additionally, satisfaction, investment, and quality of alternatives significantly predicted the commitment level of participants. Furthermore, commitment level of participants significantly predicted the variance in their intentions and attitudes towards infidelity (29.5 % and 14 %, respectively) with the unique contributions of Investment Model variables after the effects of demographic and relational variables were controlled. Results were discussed in relation to the relevant literature, implications and recommendations for practice and research were presented.

Understanding Extradyadic Sex and Its Underlying Motives Through a Dualistic Model of Sexual Passion.

Article

Full-text available

Jul 2019
J SOC PERS RELAT

Extradyadic sex in monogamous romantic relationships represents a violation of trust that has been associated with adverse personal and relationship outcomes. Although relational factors related to extradyadic sex have been extensively studied, few individual sexual factors have been identified, and these factors have remained one-dimensional. The present research proposes that sexual passion, as defined by the dualistic model of sexual passion, can help better understand extradyadic sex and its underlying motives by distinguishing two types of sexual passion. Study 1 (631 students, mean age = 24.92 years) showed that obsessive sexual passion (OSP), but not harmonious sexual passion (HSP), was related to past extradyadic sex, conflict between sexuality and the maintenance of long-term romantic relationships, and ego-invested motives for engaging in extradyadic sex. Study 2 (84 students, mean age = 28.49 years) used a longitudinal design and showed that OSP, but not HSP, predicted prospective extradyadic sex. In addition, results revealed that men with an OSP reported engaging in extradyadic sex more often and with more partners than other individuals. These studies underline the importance of using a two-dimensional approach to understand how sexual passion relates to extradyadic sex.

Our Fragile Relationships: Relationship Threat and Its Effect on the Allure of Alternative Mates

Article

Full-text available

Apr 2019
ARCH SEX BEHAV

Long-term romantic commitments may offer many benefits. It is thus unsurprising that people employ strategies that help protect their relationships against the allure of alternative partners. The present research focused on the circumstances under which these strategies are less effective. Specifically, four studies examined the effect of internal relationship threat on expressions of desire for alternative mates. In Study 1, participants reported perceptions of relationship threat, their desire for their partner, and expressions of attraction to alternative mates. In Studies 2-4, participants underwent a threat manipulation and then encountered attractive strangers. Their reactions during these encounters (expressed interest, provision of help, and overt flirtation in Studies 2, 3, and 4, respectively) were recorded. Results showed that experiencing threat led to increased expressions of desire for alternatives. As indicated in Studies 1 and 2, decreased desire for current partners partially explained this effect, suggesting that desire functions as a gauge of romantic compatibility, ensuring that only valued relationships are maintained.

Temptation at your door: Receiving mate poaching attempts and perceived Partners' desirability

Article

Full-text available

Jul 2022
PERS RELATIONSHIP

Gurit E Birnbaum

Committed individuals cope with the threat of alternative partners by using strategies that undermine their allure. However, in an era, in which alternative mates lurk around every corner, these strategies may lose their effectiveness. Two studies investigated this possibility , examining how being the target of online mate poaching influenced perceptions of current and alternative partners. In both studies, partnered undergraduate students chatted online with a confederate of the other sex who behaved either flirtatiously or neutrally. Then, participants completed a measure of implicit perception of their partner (Study 1) or described a sexual fantasy (Study 2). The fantasies were coded for expressions of desire for current and alternative partners. Results showed that receiving mate poaching attempts decreased the appeal of current partners while increasing the desirability of alternatives. These findings Statement of Relevance: Committed individuals cope with alternative partners by using strategies that undermine their allure. However, in an era, in which alternative mates lurk around every corner, these strategies may lose their effectiveness. Two studies investigated this possibility, showing that receiving mate poaching attempts decreased the appeal of current partners while increasing the desirability of alternatives. These findings demonstrate the circumstances that weaken resistance to temptations, pointing to a route by which online interactions impair relationship functioning.

Predicting marital financial deception in a national sample: A person‐centered approach

Article

Feb 2022

Examine whether latent classes of marital financial deception exist and what might predict class membership. Many individuals have reported financially deceiving their spouse in descriptive studies; estimates range between 40% and 60% depending on the study. However, to date no study has examined the nature of marital financial deception in a multivariate context regarding type, frequency, and so on. Further, scholars have not yet studied predictors of marital financial deception in a multivariate context. We used national data and seven financial deception behaviors for the latent class analysis. We also used multinomial regression to predict latent class membership (N = 946 individuals). Three classes emerged. Spouses who almost never deceived their spouse, spouses who frequently engaged in most of the deception behaviors, and spouses who sometimes hid minor purchases from or lied generally about their financial behaviors to their spouse. The multinomial logistic regression revealed that perceived marital stability, marital duration, and trust in one's spouse was negatively associated with membership in the minor or major deception groups. Conversely, sexual and emotional infidelity was positively associated with being in the major and minor financial deception groups. Hispanic and Black non‐Hispanic participants were less likely than White non‐Hispanic participants to be in the minor and major financial deception groups. Although individuals financially deceived their spouses, most were either generally truthful or only engaged in minor types infrequently. Aspects of marital commitment predicted group membership. The frequency and severity of marital financial deception is associated with marital commitment.

Unveiling the infidelity problem in exclusive manufacturer–distributor relationships: A dyadic perspective

Article

Full-text available

Nov 2021
PSYCHOL MARKET

Infidelity has been a common dark‐side phenomenon in manufacturer–distributor (M–D) relationships, which, despite its harmful effects on operating performance and long‐term viability, has received scant theoretical and empirical attention in marketing research. Using data collected from 103 manufacturers and 101 distributors located in the USA, we investigate this phenomenon by conceptualizing it as a developmental process, comprising motives, symptoms, manifestations, consequences, and remedies. Our findings show that, with a few exceptions, there are no significant differences between manufacturers and distributors with regard to their perceptions of: (a) the structural, processual, and contextual factors contributing to the emergence of infidelity; (b) the behavioral and attitudinal factors helping to diagnose partner infidelity; (c) the ambiguous, explicit, and deceptive manifestations of infidelity; (d) the possible passive, mild, or aggressive consequences of infidelity; and (e) the pre‐emptive or post hoc measures that need to be taken to cure infidelity.

Sexual Agreements Among Young Sexual and Gender Minorities Assigned Male at Birth: Associations with Relationship Quality and Break-Up

Article

Full-text available

Apr 2021
ARCH SEX BEHAV

Previous studies have shown that sexual non-monogamy is not associated with lower relationship satisfaction among adult male same-sex couples and may therefore be a viable alternative to monogamy. However, sexual minority men with non-monogamous agreements have reported lower commitment and trust in their relationships than those with monogamous agreements—potentially raising their risk of break-up. In this study, we investigated whether sexual agreements (monogamous, non-monogamous, or no sexual agreement) were associated with relationship quality and rates of break-up over 1 year in a sample of 338 young sexual and gender minorities assigned male at birth (SGM-AMAB). Participants reported their sexual agreement and indices of relationship quality (satisfaction, trust, and commitment) at baseline, as well as their relationship status (intact or broken up) at 6- and 12-month follow-up. Results showed no significant differences by sexual agreement in concurrent trust, but participants with monogamous agreements reported higher satisfaction and commitment than those with non-monogamous agreements or no sexual agreement. Despite these significant differences in relationship quality, there were no significant differences in rates of break-up at 6- or 12-month follow-up across the sexual agreement types. However, having a monogamous agreement was indirectly associated with lower rates of break-up through relationship commitment. Although results were mixed, findings provide some preliminary support that young SGM-AMAB in relationships with monogamous agreements may have higher satisfaction and commitment at early relationship stages, and that monogamous agreements may be a protective factor against break-up over 1 year through the mechanism of relationship commitment.

Propuesta de un modelo bio-psico-sociocultural de infidelidad sexual y emocional en hombres y mujeres

Article

Full-text available

Dec 2008

El objetivo de esta investigación fue predecir la infidelidad sexual y emocional de hombres y mujeres a partir de un conjunto de características biológicas, psicológicas y socioculturales que involucran los patrones sexuales de la persona, conducta y personalidad sexual; su orientación socio-sexual, la satisfacción con la relación primaria y de sus conceptos y actitudes hacia la infidelidad. Para lograr este objetivo se conformó una muestra no probabilística de 151 hombres y 183 mujeres, todos los participantes tenían una relación de pareja heterosexual y 30 años en promedio. Se realizaron análisis de regresión múltiple por pasos. En general los análisis de regresión mostraron que las variables que predicen la infidelidad sexual de los hombres y de las mujeres son las variantes sexuales, la conceptualización positiva de la infidelidad y los motivos asociados a la personalidad. La infidelidad emocional de hombres y de mujeres fue predicha también por la conceptualización positiva de la infidelidad y por una personalidad sexual abierta.

Biting the Forbidden Fruit: The Effect of Flirting with a Virtual Agent on Attraction to Real Alternative and Existing Partners

Article

Full-text available

Dec 2022

Virtual encounters are becoming increasingly frequent. These encounters have the dual potential for either posing a threat to existing relationships or promoting relationship stability. Three studies investigated whether interacting with a flirtatious virtual human would inoculate individuals against the allure of real alternative partners. In all studies, partnered participants conversed with a virtual bartender of the other gender who behaved either seductively or neutrally. Then, participants interacted with a real other-gender human being and rated their perceptions of both targets. In Study 1, an attractive confederate interviewed participants. In Study 2, a confederate sought participants’ help and recorded their helping behavior. In Study 3, participants interacted with their current partner. Results indicated that following the flirtatious virtual encounter, participants devalued the interviewer's attractiveness, invested less time helping the confederate, and desired their partner more. This research is the first to show that interacting with a virtual agent promotes real-world relationships.

Tríade Sombria da Personalidade: Conceitos, medição e correlatos

Thesis

Full-text available

Apr 2017

A presente tese objetivou explorar o lado sombrio da personalidade, verificando o ajuste de medidas que o operacionalizam e checando suas relações com fenômenos diversos (e.g., manipulação emocional, impulsividade, valores, infidelidade e táticas para atração de parceiros). Para tanto, foram desenvolvidos quatro artigos: um teórico e três empíricos. O primeiro artigo versa sobre a Tríade Sombria da personalidade, apresentando este modelo que enfoca traços de natureza aversiva que fazem parte de uma faixa normal de funcionamento da personalidade. Foram apresentadas formas de mensurar estes traços de personalidade, ressaltando, a partir de uma perspectiva evolucionista, o papel adaptativo que estes podem cumprir. O segundo artigo (N = 243) teve como escopo adaptar as duas medidas concisas mais utilizadas para avaliação conjunta da Tríade Sombria (Dirty Dozen e Short Dark Triad), reunindo evidências em torno da validade (fatorial e convergente) e consistência interna destas medidas. Ademais, análises a partir da Teoria de Resposta ao Item possibilitaram conhecer os parâmetros individuais dos itens, especificamente a dificuldade e discriminação. O conjunto de evidências psicométricas foi favorável à Dirty Dozen, utilizada nos artigos subsequentes. O terceiro artigo (N = 397) avaliou o papel da Tríade Sombria, em conjunto com os Cinco Grandes Fatores e valores humanos, para a predição de atitudes e intenções de ser infiel, sendo que estes dois últimos explicaram o engajamento em relações extra-diádicas. De modo geral, os resultados apontaram que maquiavelismo, psicopatia e narcisismo são diferenças individuais que podem predispor à infidelidade. O quarto artigo (N = 225) verificou que pessoas com traços sombrios de personalidade desempenham táticas efetivas de autopromoção para atrair parceiros casuais, mesmo controlando pelos Cinco Grandes Fatores e orientação sociossexual, sendo psicopatia e narcisismo preditores do uso de tais táticas para os homens, enquanto que apenas narcisismo o fez para as mulheres. As evidências reunidas apontam para o importante papel da Tríade Sombria da personalidade, sendo que estes traços facilitam o sucesso reprodutivo dos indivíduos, descrevendo um perfil impulsivo, buscador de sensações e hábil para manipular os demais, sendo direcionados para relações casuais, traindo seus parceiros quando encontram-se em relacionamentos compromissados. Apesar de quinze anos do surgimento deste modelo de personalidade, ele tem sido pouco discutido no Brasil. Portanto, a presente tese contribui para a literatura brasileira fornecendo evidências psicométricas em torno de medidas que avaliam este agrupamento de traços, verificando os correlatos deste conjunto de fatores que formam o lado sombrio da personalidade.

Sexual Identity Expression on the Internet: An Empirical Study of Homosexuals, Heterosexuals, and Bisexuals in India

Chapter

Jan 2018

Studies have found that sexual minority experience greater emotional distress, self-harm, suicidal ideation, and depression than their heterosexual peers. This chapter analyses the attitudes of individuals with different sexual orientations towards internet infidelity. A self-administered survey was conducted among 11,056 respondents (1,010 homosexuals, 8,991 heterosexuals, and 1,055 bisexuals) in metropolitan cities in India. Of these, 35.2% admitted to involvement in online infidelity. Meta-analysis yielded three reasons: psychological distress (depression and frustration), social isolation (lack of emotional support, loneliness, and boredom), and external influence (desire to explore and peer pressure). The survey found that while homosexuals attribute their involvement in online infidelity to psychological distress, heterosexuals attribute it to social isolation, and bisexuals to external influence. Homosexuals who admitted their involvement in cybersex were further compared based on relationship status: married, in a relationship, divorced, separated, or widow/widower. The motivations of married individuals with same-sex orientation were also examined, along with its mental health implications.

Non-Consensual and Consensual Non-Monogamy in Norway

Article

Full-text available

May 2021

The paper sets out to study Norwegians’ experiences of non-monogamy. Data were collected by questionnaires in a web-sample of 4160 Norwegians (18–89 years). 26.3% of men and 17.8% of women reported that they ever had non-consensual non-monogamy. Consensual non-monogamy was reported by 3%. Compared to participants with no or non-consensual experience, consensual non-monogamy was highly related to relationship intimacy and positive sexual attitudes toward sex and sexuality. At the most recent extradyadic event, 21.5% of heterosexual men and 47.1% of gay/bisexual men reported condom use, which implies a risk for sexually transmitted diseases.

Fatherhood Is Associated with Increased Infidelity and Moderates the Link between Relationship Satisfaction and Infidelity

Article

Full-text available

Dec 2020

Background: Relationship satisfaction has been identified as an important factor in terms of extradyadic sexual involvement. However, in men, fatherhood might be associated with infidelity by leading to changes in relationship satisfaction and the social life of parents. To date, no study has focused on the association of fatherhood and infidelity, nor the influence of fatherhood on the association between relationship satisfaction and infidelity. Methods: Using a cross-sectional design, 137 fathers and 116 non-fathers were assessed regarding relationship satisfaction, infidelity, and potential confounds. Results: Significantly more fathers reported having been unfaithful in the current relationship than non-fathers (30.7% vs. 17.2%). Fathers also reported longer relationship duration, higher relationship satisfaction, and lower neuroticism than non-fathers. Furthermore, fatherhood moderated the association between relationship satisfaction and infidelity insofar that only in non-fathers reduced relationship satisfaction was associated with infidelity. Conclusions: The results suggest that fatherhood increases the risk of engaging in extradyadic sexual activities and moderates the link between relationship satisfaction and infidelity. However, results need to be interpreted with caution due to the cross-sectional study design and the lack of information about the specific time point of the infidelity incident(s).

Exploring the associations between narcissism, intentions towards infidelity, and relationship satisfaction: Attachment styles as a moderator

Article

Full-text available

Nov 2020
PLOS ONE

The ultimate goal of this research was twofold: (1) to investigate the associations between narcissism, intentions towards infidelity, and relationship satisfaction; and (2) to explore the moderating effect of attachment styles on the link between intentions towards infidelity and narcissism. The findings revealed that the link between narcissism and relationship satisfaction is fully mediated by intentions towards infidelity. Similarly, the full mediating effect of relationship satisfaction exists in the association between narcissism and intentions towards infidelity. Mediational analyses further revealed that narcissism is a predictor of intentions towards infidelity, and this link is moderated by preoccupied, fearful, and dismissive attachment styles. As the results indicate, narcissism plays a significant role in young adults' intimate relationships, and attachment styles have a moderating role in narcissism's effect on romantic relationships. Results and implications are discussed in light of the relevant research findings.

Extradyadic Behaviors and Gender: How Do They Relate With Sexual Desire, Relationship Quality, and Attractiveness

Article

Full-text available

Mar 2020

Recent years have seen an increasing number of studies on relationship extradyadic behaviors (Pinto and Arantes, 2016; Pazhoohi et al., 2017; Silva et al., 2017; Fisher, 2018). However, much is still to learn about the impact of these extradyadic behaviors on subsequent relationships that an individual may have. Our main goal was to study the association between past extradyadic behaviors-inflicted and suffered-and current relationship quality, sexual desire and attractiveness. Specifically, we aimed to: (i) Understand if past extradyadic behaviors are related to current relationship quality, sexual desire, and self-perceived and partner's attractiveness; (ii) Identify possible gender differences in these variables. For that, 364 participants (251 females and 113 males) were recruited through personal and institutional e-mails, online social networks (e.g., Facebook), and the website of the Evolutionary Psychology Group from the University of Minho. All participants completed a demographic and relationship questionnaire, followed by questions related to extradyadic behaviors and self-perceived attractiveness, the Perceived Relationship Quality Components (PRQC) Inventory, the Sex Drive Scale (SDQ), and the Importance of Partner's Physical Attractiveness Scale (IPPAS). For those currently involved in a relationship, results suggested that extradyadic behaviors (both suffered or inflicted) are linked with current low relationship quality and high sexual desire in the present. In addition, individuals who perceived themselves as being more attractive tended to have a higher sexual desire and higher relationship quality. Overall, men reported higher levels of extradyadic behaviors and sexual desire, gave more importance to physical attractiveness, and perceived their current relationship as having less quality than women. These results add to the literature by focusing on different variables that play an important role in romantic relationships, and have important implications.

JSDA 29 V 2 (2016)-1

Article

Full-text available

Feb 2020

Witness Chikoko

The Physical Punishment in the Emerging of Children Aggressive Behaviours

Article

Full-text available

Dec 2019

The focus of the present study is the exploration of factors related to physical parental punishment and the display of aggression among school-age children. The study was conducted in Tirana and Durres with children of seven elementary schools, in a total of 830 children of the group-age 7 to 11 years old. Our aim is to identify the differences between physically punished children and physically non-punished children in the emergence of aggressiveness in general, identification of forms of aggression that exhibit the physically punished children, identification of gender differences in the manifestation of forms of aggression in physically punished children. We used the Direct and Indirect Aggression Scales (Björkqvist, Lagerspetz & Österman, 1992) and four questionnaires were designed to collect information from the child whether the parents were involved in these forms of punishment or not. The results of the study showed that there were differences in the display of aggressiveness among physically punished children and physically non-punished children; there was also a tendency for physically punished children to exhibit a higher level of Direct Aggression. Findings also emerged in terms of gender differences in the appearance of aggressiveness in physically punished children.

Explanation of Infidelity among Married Women in Tehran

Article

Full-text available

Nov 2019

Introduction: Considering the lack of knowledge in the field of infidelity and its consequences in the country and the insufficient familiarity with the expressions of infidelity behaviors, the present study aimed at investigating the phenomenological experience of infidelity in married women. Methods: The present study used a qualitative method with a descriptive phenomenological approach. Population of the study included women engaged in infidelity visiting one of the consultation centers in the city of Tehran in the year 2017. Sampling of the population was carried out using the targeted snowball sampling method. Size of the sample was increased up to saturation point and, overall, 10 married women with the experience of infidelity were subjected to investigation. Semi-structured interview method was used to gather data and the data were analyzed through the Colaizzi's method. Results: The results demonstrated that infidelity occurs due to several factors including deficiency needs, the perpetrators' psychological qualities, marital compatibility, consequences expected from infidelity, and etiology of starting infidelity. Discussion: There are several factors involved in women's inclination to infidelity. Based on the findings of the present study, the practical proposition is to arrange therapy sessions and instructional manuals based on the concepts and axes extracted from the analysis of the interviews with people who have shared their phenomenological experience of infidelity with us.

Extradyadic activity in European older adults

Article

Oct 2019

The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of extradyadic activity in older adults in four European countries and investigate factors associated with extradyadic sex. Postal questionnaire data were collected in probability samples among populations aged 60–75 years in Norway (N = 1271), Denmark (N = 1045), Belgium (N = 991), and Portugal (N = 509). Across the different countries, 1-4% of participants reported having had their last sexual intercourse with someone other than their regular partner. The multivariate logistic regression analysis for men showed that extradyadic sex was 2.5 times higher for every unit increase in not sharing sexual likes and dislikes with their regular partner, and 1.5 times higher for every unit increase in relationship unhappiness. Extradyadic activity decreased by a factor of 0.71 for every unit increase in the regular partner (not) having had sexual difficulties. Compared to Norwegian men, Belgian men had a 70% lower likelihood of having had extradyadic sex. In women, only one significant association emerged: extradyadic sex was 2.5 times higher for every unit increase in (not) perceiving intimacy with their regular partner.<br/

Understanding Threesomes: Gender, Sex, and Consensual Non-Monogamy

Book

Jul 2019

Ryan Scoats

The ‘Worker-Researcher’: Introducing a new interview dynamic

Article

Jul 2019

It used to be said that academics doing ethnographic research were able to have brief forays into other cultures, but to have permanent membership would result in ‘career suicide’. Our methodology takes into account the changing nature of academia, both exploiting and endorsing the dual role status held by many academics who have fractional appointments at higher education institutions. We use data from a study on women’s experiences of discovering partner infidelity to explore the benefits and drawbacks of being a ‘Worker-Researcher’. Participants were interviewed whilst having an eyelash extension treatment carried out by the second author who was employed as a part-time beauty therapist. The data produced using this methodology was rich and revealing, due in part to the level of rapport engendered by the relationship between the two protagonists and also due to the confessional culture of beauty salons. The reduction or reversal of traditional researcher/participant hierarchy soothes the frequently discussed concerns about exploitation of participants. The exploitation of Worker-Researchers is discussed as a potential drawback of this methodology.

Higher testosterone levels are associated with unfaithful behavior in men

Article

Jul 2019
BIOL PSYCHOL

Background: Infidelity in romantic relationships is a common, but severe issue often causing breakup and severe psychological impairment. Higher levels of testosterone are related to mating-behavior, sexual desire, and infidelity in men with sexual dysfunctions. Previous studies, have insufficiently addressed the potential role of testosterone in infidelity in healthy men. Methods: A sample of 224 middle-aged self-reporting healthy men being currently in a relationship completed questionnaires on relationship characteristics, infidelity, and provided overnight-fasting saliva samples for testosterone quantification. Results: In the sample, 37.5% men answered having been unfaithful in the current relationship, while 29% were identified as fulfilling criteria for a sexual dysfunction. Adjusting for covariates, a significant positive association for the frequency of unfaithful behavior and testosterone levels emerged. Subsample analysis indicates a positive association between testosterone and infidelity only to be present in men without sexual dysfunction. Conclusion: Unfaithful behavior in males is associated with higher testosterone levels.

Infidelity Risk

Chapter

Full-text available

Jun 2019

Infidelity may include a broad range of behaviors depending on the perspective of the individual. Different behaviors from flirtatious acts, to emotional involvement, to sexual intercourse may or may not be considered infidelity. Although it may be hard to pinpoint infidelity with absolute precision, its negative consequences are easy to detect. Infidelity is related with negative health outcomes and is the most common reason for marital dissolution around the world. There are different factors that increase the risk of infidelity, and these factors that make people more prone to infidelity can be examined in three levels: personal level, relationship level, and contextual level.

Reasons behind divorce in Palestine from the legal judge's and Mufti’s perspectives and suggested remedies

Article

Full-text available

May 2019

This study aimed at investigating the reasons behind divorce in the Palestinian society. The study analyzes legal judge's perspective and Mufti's perspective for this phenomena. To accomplish this study, the researchers used two questionnaires: a 25-item questionnaire about the reasons behind divorce and another questionnaire of 20 items about the suggested remedies for the causes. The two questionnaires were distributed among (13) male Muftis at Dar Al-Ifta' Al-Falasteeniyya who served as the respondents and provided the data for this research in the year 2018. The findings of this study, showed that the main reasons behind divorce are social, emotional, unawareness in choosing the right partner and misusing of technology applications regardless of the respondents age and qualification. Findings also showed that the majority of divorce rate occurs in the period of engagement. Based on these results, the researchers recommended that the awareness of the couples of the negative impact of the interference of parents with what happened between them is basic in stopping divorce. Another recommendation is the need for specialists to avoid and solve marital problems and focus on religious and moral aspects when dealing with spouses in addition to appropriate use of technology implementations.

Sex Differences in Responses to Emotional and Sexual Infidelity in Dating Relationships

Article

Nov 2018
J Indiv Differ

This study examined the influence of the type of partner infidelity (sexual vs. emotional) and sex of participant on actual mate abandonment and mate retention behaviors. It was predicted that men would engage in significantly more mate abandonment behaviors after experiencing a physical infidelity and that women would engage in significantly more mate abandonment behaviors after experiencing an emotional infidelity. To test this hypothesis, men and women who had either experienced a sexual or emotional infidelity were recruited and were asked to complete several measures designed to indicate their behavioral responses to the infidelity. The men and women in the study showed the predicted asymmetrical pattern of behavioral choices in response to sexual and emotional infidelity.

Preventing Infidelity: A Theory of Protective Factors

Article

Oct 2018
Fam J

The purpose of this study was to identify a theory that explains how married persons maintain monogamy. Ten participants were interviewed twice using a semistructured interview format. Grounded theory methods of data collection and analysis were used. Member-checking, bracketing, peer-review, analytic memos, and external auditing were used throughout the study for verification purposes. The data supported the finding that monogamy is maintained by small, continual, and consistent efforts in each protective factor area. The protective factors include (a) building a secure attachment or emotional bond; (b) sex in a marriage; (c) behavioral, cognitive, and relationship boundaries; (d) practicing congruence; (e) fostering values and beliefs that support monogamy; and (f) coping individually and as a couple.

Romantic/Emotional Infidelity

Chapter

Jul 2021

Evlilik Uyumu ve Dindarlık

Book

Jan 2019

Ahmet Rifat GEÇİOĞLU

Hormonal Predictors of Infidelity: A Life History Perspective on Testosterone and Other Hormonal Mechanisms

Article

Full-text available

Jul 2022

Life-history theory provides a framework for understanding the resource trade-offs that are inherent in the struggle to maximize reproductive fitness. Hormones, and testosterone in particular, play important roles in mediating some of the morphological, behavioral, and physiological traits that are implicated in these trade-offs—one of the most widely studied of which is mating versus parenting. In this chapter, we use a life history perspective to review literature examining hormones and infidelity or related proxies (e.g., interest in extrapair sex), and how these links may be understood as a function of the mating vs. parenting trade-off. This chapter focuses the review primarily on testosterone, but also reviews other hormones and hormone systems that have been implicated in infidelity or relevant behavioral and psychological proxies. Further, it touches on contextual considerations for understanding the link between hormones and infidelity and mating, such as the type of mating system (e.g., monogamy vs. polygamy) and the menstrual cycle. The chapter concludes with a discussion of some of the limitations of current, and potential avenues for future, research on hormones and infidelity.

El Mantenimiento en las Relaciones de Pareja: Una forma de Medirlo

Article

Full-text available

Apr 2022

El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo conocer la estructura factorial de la escala de mantenimiento en las relaciones de pareja en hombres y mujeres. Participaron de manera voluntaria y confidencial de 731 voluntarios (49.8% hombres y 50.2% mujeres). Se elaboró una escala de 178 reactivos, para evaluar el mantenimiento de las relaciones de pareja con base en un estudio exploratorio, con un formato de respuesta tipo Likert de 5 puntos. Esta consta de cuatro subescalas: Significado (46 reactivos y 6 factores), Motivos (30 reactivos y cuatro factores), Estrategias (46 reactivos y 6 factores) y Consecuencias (56 reactivos y 4 factores). Para cada subescala se obtuvo el análisis psicométrico. Los resultados indican una escala valida y confiable en sus cuatro subescalas, a través de análisis factoriales exploratorios y análisis de consistencia interna. Los hallazgos permiten contar con un instrumento robusto que permite evaluar en sus diferentes subescalas las áreas que componen el mantenimiento. Esto con la finalidad de realizar evaluaciones en las relaciones diádicas que fomenten parejas saludables, así como intervenciones, basadas en esta primera aproximación.

Couples Therapy after the Infidelity of Men: A Controlled Trial Study.

Article

Full-text available

Feb 2022

Aim and Background: Treatment of the couples suffer from infidelity, is a complex and multifaceted process. This study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of couple therapy after the infidelity of men. Methods and Materials: This was a quasi-experimental research with pretest, posttest, and follow up, as well as the control group. The study population consisted of all the couples living in Kerman City, Iran, and referred to counseling centers in this city. Those who had the problem of marital infidelity in years 2015-2016 enrolled in this study. The sample included 16 couples that responded desire to divorce scale. Then randomly divided into two groups of control and experimental. In the experimental group, 6-12 therapy sessions were conducted with an average of 9 meetings. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA. Findings: The treatment decreased couples’ desire to divorce, and the scores in 3 measurements (pretest, posttest, and follow up) were significantly different (P < 0.010). Conclusions: Access to mental health care after infidelity of couples reduces the desire to divorce.

BELİREN YETİŞKİNLERDE VE YETİŞKİNLERDE ALDATMAYA YÖNELİK NİYETİN İNCELENMESİ

Article

Full-text available

Jan 2021

Gozde Gulkanat

Özet Bu araştırmada genç yetişkinlerde ve yetişkinlerde sosyal medya kullanımının aldatmaya yönelik niyeti yordamasındaki rolünün incelenmesi amaçlanmıştır. Araştırmanın çalışma grubunu araştırmacının, çeşitli sosyal medya hesapları üzerinden ve Facebook’ta yer alan bazı gruplar aracılığı ile ulaştığı evli, nişanlı ya da romantik bir ilişkisi olan 438 birey (338 kadın ve 100 erkek) oluşturmaktadır. Katılımcıların yaşları 18 ile 65 arasında değişmektedir. Araştırmada veriler Aldatmaya Yönelik Eğilim Ölçeği ve Sosyal Medya Bağımlılığı Ölçeği - Yetişkin Formu ile toplanmıştır. Elde edilen verilerin çözümlenmesi “SPSS 24 for Windows” paket programı ile gerçekleştirilmiştir. Çalışma sonucunda katılımcıların aldatmaya yönelik niyet düzeyleri ile sosyal medya kullanım düzeyleri arasında negatif ilişki olduğu ve sosyal medya kullanımının aldatmaya yönelik niyet düzeyini yordadığı ortaya konmuştur. Ayrıca yetişkinlerin ve geç yetişkinlerin aldatmaya yönelik niyet düzeylerinin cinsiyetlerine ve ilişki durumlarına göre farklılaştığı belirlenmiştir. Anahtar Kelimeler Aldatmaya yönelik niyet sosyal medya kullanımı genç yetişkin yetişkin Abstract This study aimed to examine the predictive role of social media use among young adults and adults on the intentions toward to fidelity. The study group consists of 438 adult individuals (338 female and 100 male) aged between 18 and 65 years, who are married, engaged or have a romantic relationship, which the researcher has reached through various social media accounts and some groups on Facebook. The data in the study were collected through the Intentions Towards Infidelity Scale and Social Media Addiction Scale - Adult Form. The analysis of the data was carried out via the "SPSS 24 for Windows" package program. As a result of the analysis, it was found that there is a positive relationship between intentions towards infidelity and social media use and ocial media use predicted the intentions toward fidelity. In addition, the intention toward infidelity levels of the participants differ according to their gender and relationship status. Keywords Intentions toward infidelity social media use adult young adult

Better relationships shut the wandering eye: Sociosexual orientation mediates the association between relationship quality and infidelity intentions

Article

Full-text available

Feb 2021
J SOC PERS RELAT

People who lack quality relationships are more likely to engage in infidelity but how relationship quality is associated with infidelity is less clear. One psychological mechanism that might help to explain these associations is sociosexuality. Here, we tested two models in which we assessed whether overall sociosexuality and socio-sexuality subscales (i.e., attitude, behavior, desire) explain how relationship quality is related to infidelity intentions by sampling individuals in exclusive relationships (N ¼ 219). We found that individuals with lower relationship quality had more unrestricted sexual orientation, which in turn predicted a greater intention toward infidelity. In addition, lower quality relationships were associated with greater intentions toward infidelity through behavior and desire, but not attitude dimensions of sociosexuality.

Del Apego Adulto a la Infidelidad Sexual: Un Análisis de Mediación Múltiple

Article

Dec 2020

A large proportion of couples experience infidelity issues, which substantially impact the quality of life of its members, their families, and society. Although numerous studies have found a positive association between insecure attachment and infidelity, less is known about the variables that may mediate this link. In this context, the objective of this study was to clarify the association between adult attachment and sexual infidelity, considering 3 possible mediators: participants’ satisfaction with their couple relationships and their perception of the positive and negative consequences of infidelity. A convenience sample of 403 university students was obtained at a public university in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Participants’ age ranged from 18 to 69 years (M = 28.05, SD = 8.69). Adult attachment was measured with the Experiences in Close Relationships instrument, relationship satisfaction with the Couples Satisfaction Index, and sexual infidelity and the positive and negative consequences of infidelity with the Multidimensional Inventory of Infidelity. Results indicated that both avoidant and anxious attachment were positively correlated with sexual infidelity and that this association was largely mediated -according to a path analysis model with bootstrapping- by relationship satisfaction and a positive perception of the consequences of infidelity. These results are examined upon the basis of attachment theory. Lastly, future lines of research are proposed.

Healthy Thinking About Male Sexuality

Chapter

Oct 2017

Extramarital sex in the United States

Preprint

Full-text available

Jul 2020

Background: Marital infidelity is a serious problem because it can lead to separation and even divorce. Yet, little is known about racial and gender differences in levels of extramarital sex in the United States in the last three decades (1991 to 2018). Aim: This study represents the first analysis of the racial and gender differences in levels and determinants of extramarital sex in the United States. Methodology: We use data from all the 15 waves of the General Social Survey in which respondents were asked if they have ever had sex with someone other than their husband or wife when they were married. Descriptive and multivariate (logistic regression) analyses were conducted to determine the levels and determinants of racial and gender differences in extramarital sex in the last three decades. Results: There are small changes in percent of extramarital sex between 1991 (14.63 percent) and 2018 (16.48 percent). However, despite some fluctuations observed across the 15 General Social Survey waves, the prevalence of extramarital sex has remained significantly higher for blacks compared to whites, and higher also for men than women. Conclusion: The results show the importance of race and gender in explaining extramarital sexual behavior in the United States. We discuss these findings in relation to previous studies and suggest directions for future research.

Racial and Gender Differences in Extramarital Sex in the United States in the Last Three Decades

Article

Full-text available

Jun 2020

Marital infidelity is a serious problem because it can lead to separation and even divorce. Yet, little is known about racial and gender differences in levels of extramarital sex in the United States in the last three decades (1991 to 2018). This study represents the first analysis of the racial and gender differences in levels and determinants of extramarital sex in the United States. We use data from all the 15 waves of the General Social Survey in which respondents were asked if they have ever had sex with someone other than their husband or wife when they were married. Descriptive and multivariate (logistic regression) analyses were conducted to determine the levels and determinants of racial and gender differences in extramarital sex in the last three decades. There are small changes in percent of extramarital sex between 1991 (14.63 percent) and 2018 (16.48 percent). However, despite some fluctuations observed across the 15 General Social Survey waves, the prevalence of extramarital sex has remained significantly higher for blacks compared to whites, and higher also for men than women. The results show the importance of race and gender in explaining extramarital sexual behavior in the United States. We discuss these findings in relation to previous studies and suggest directions for future research.

Self‐reported Big Five personality traits of individuals who have experienced partner infidelity

Article

Jun 2020

Meghna Mahambrey

Infidelity is defined as unapproved romantic or sexual behaviors outside of one's relationship. Previous literature has identified characteristics of the partner involved in infidelity; this study investigates the Big Five personality traits (openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism) of uninvolved partners. Relationship quality and physical intimacy are also examined within a married subsample. Data was drawn from the second wave of the National Survey of Midlife Development in the United States (MIDUS), collected through telephone interviews and self‐administered questionnaires between 2004 and 2006. Results for the overall sample (N = 1,577) indicate that conscientiousness is negatively associated with lifetime partner infidelity. Within the married subsample (n = 898), conscientiousness is negatively associated with spousal infidelity, and agreeableness is positively associated with spousal infidelity.

Infidelity and Its Associated Factors: A Systematic Review

Article

Aug 2019
J SEX MED

Background: Infidelity can be facilitated and/or inhibited as a result of interrelations among multilevel contexts. Despite the existence of numerous studies about infidelity, there is no developmental model that considers multilevel contexts of factors associated with infidelity. Aim: To review published articles addressing factors associated with infidelity and to apply the ecological model to these factors. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was conducted using the PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and PsychoInfo. Literature search was restricted to articles published in English up to June 2018. All quantitative and full-text studies that addressed associated factors with infidelity were included. This study was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Main outcome measures: This article reports a review of the literature on the factors associated with infidelity based on the ecological model. Results: We retrieved 5,159 titles, of which 82 were qualified after the qualitative synthesis. The Ecological Couples Systems Diagram (ECSD) is proposed as a developmental model similar to Bronfenbrenner's Bioecological Systems Model. There was an inconsistency between variables of microsystem and infidelity engagement. However, the results of some studies indicated the impact of demographic factors, personality traits, and sexual information on infidelity, considering partner characteristics. Variables belonging to a mesosystem had a more stable association with infidelity than those from other systems. In addition, the review reveals the complexity of infidelity, associated with following factors: 68.3% (n = 56) of the studies were based on microsystem variables, 48.8% (n = 40) used mesosystem variables, 19.5% (n = 16) used exosystem variables, 26.8% (n = 22) used macrosystem variables, 6.1% (n = 5) used chronosystem variables, and 50% (n = 41) included variables from 2 or more levels. Clinical implications: The ECSD can be used not only for assessing couple compatibility in premarital counseling, but also for consulting couples who want to have a long-term romantic relationship. As a potential clinical application, therapists can use the ECSD to assess unfaithful clients and their partners, improving the quality of counseling. Strengths & limitations: This study reveals different environmental layers of various variables related to infidelity. Determining the effect size of variables associated with infidelity was not possible due to the heterogeneity of infidelity assessment tools and test analysis. Conclusion: Apparently, incompatibility of interpersonal characteristics is more likely associated with infidelity than incompatibility of intrapersonal characteristics. It is important to consider couple compatibility before starting an exclusive relationship, such as marriage, for individuals who intend to maintain a long-term exclusive romantic relationship. Haseli A, Shariati M, Nazari AM, et al. Infidelity and Its Associated Factors: A Systematic Review. J Sex Med 2019;16:1155-1169.

The Effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Group Counseling on Feeling of Loneliness in Women the Trauma of Infidelity

Article

Full-text available

Apr 2019

Abstract Infidelity is one of the most harmful interpersonal issues in family, which in many cases can lead to the development of emotional and behavioral symptoms in the person who has been betrayed. In this regard, the present study was undertaken with the aim to identifying the effectiveness of acceptance and commitment group counseling on feeling of loneliness in women suffering from the trauma of infidelity. The research method was experimental and the design was quasi-experimental using pretest-posttest with control group. The statistical population included women victims of infidelity referring to counseling centers and family courts in Tehran, Iran, in 2017. Thirty couples were selected via purposeful and available sampling method based on the study’s criteria and randomly assigned to experimental (n=15) and control groups (n=15) (finally were investigated through dual assessment of pretest-posttest). All participants were asked to complete UCLA Loneliness Scale (Russell, Peplau & Cutrona, 1980). In addition, the participants in the experimental group attended 8 sessions of 90-minute acceptance and commitment group counseling and the control group received no training. The results of univariate analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) indicated that acceptance and commitment group counseling significantly decreased the post-test average scores of feeling of loneliness in experimental group. Thus, it could be concluded that acceptance and commitment group counseling is an effective method in reducing feeling of loneliness in women suffering from the trauma of infidelity and can be used by counselors and therapists in the field of family therapy.

EVLİLİKTE DİNİN ETKİSİNİ HİSSETME VE EVLİLİK UYUMU İLİŞKİSI

Article

Full-text available

Jan 2019

Ahmet Rifat GEÇİOĞLU

Family-of-Origin, Sexual Attitudes, and Perceptions of Infidelity: A Mediation Analysis

Article

Nov 2019

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence family of origin and sexual attitudes have on perceptions of infidelity through a mediation analysis to test whether sexual attitudes mediates the relationship between family of origin attitudes and perceptions of infidelity. Results indicated that family of origin attitudes were linked with higher permissive sexual attitudes and lower perceptions of infidelity. Additionally, results indicated an indirect link between family of origin attitudes and perceptions of infidelity through sexual attitudes. These findings align with previous research examining how family of origin influences the occurrence of infidelity and provides insight to helping professionals as they address infidelity in romantic relationships.

Who Cheats?誰が「不倫」をするのか

Article

Oct 2018

Akira Igarashi

Prohibition of infidelity, or extramarital sex, is a fundamental of the contemporary marital system. So, who commits infidelity? There are few empirical studies investigating this question in Japan. In this study, the determinants of infidelity in Japan have been tested through the framework of opportunity and marital relationship. The results show that labour time, intimacy of marital relationship, and the number of children are not associated with infidelity. Level of education is relevant for both males and females, with higher education reducing infidelity. Income and difference of income between males and females is relevant for males. Husbands are more likely to commit infidelity when their income is higher, or when their income is lower than that of their wife.

Enhancing Couple Sexuality: Creating an Intimate and Erotic Bond

Book

Apr 2019

Predicting of tendency to extramarital relationships amoung nurses based on moral intelligence and predisposing Factors

Article

Full-text available

Oct 2017

Background and Aim: Moral intelligence means the ability to function based on moral values and principles that is composed of honesty, being responsible, compassion and forgiveness. This study was performed by the aim of predicting the tendency to extramarital relations amoung nurses based on moral intelligence and related predisposing factors. Materials and Methods: This study is a correlation-cross sectional research that was done on 130 nurses who worked in Ahvaz hospitals in 2015 which were selected by available method. In addition to demographic characteristics form, moral intelligence, loyalty pathology and tendency to extramarital relations questionnaires were used for data collecting. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistical indices and Pearson correlation coefficient and multiple regressions with step by step model using SPSS software version 19. Ethical considerations: Questionnaires were completed without writing name, by observing secrecy and after written consent by participators. Findings: All participators in this study were women, married and were in age domain 34-37 years. Among moral intelligence dimensions, honesty (r=0.368, p≤0.037) and responsibility (r=0.295, p≤0.001) had negative relation with participants' tendency to extramarital relations, but forgiveness (r=0.113, p≤0.061) and compassion (r=0.083, p≤0.073) dimensions had no relation with

Przebaczenie i poczucie winy

Chapter

Full-text available

Nov 2017

Managing Infidelity: A Cross-Cultural Perspective

Article

Full-text available

Dec 2002
Ethnology

Anthropologists have not systematically examined extramarital affairs. Our cross-cultural study found that within every culture men and women actively resort to mate-guarding tactics to control their mate's extramarital behavior. A person's level of interest and involvement does not change with a culture's notion of descent, level of social complexity, or the degree to which a culture is normatively permissive or restrictive in sexual matters. In effect, sexual propriety is the presumed right of both sexes. Our findings are consistent with both the sexual jealousy and the pair-bond hypotheses, which hold that every marriage or love relationship is organized around a presumption of sexual propriety.

Networks' Support and Interference With Regard to Marriage: Disclosures of Marital Problems to Confidants

Article

Full-text available

Mar 1994

Videotapes of 15 maritally adjusted and 13 unadjusted wives' interactions with confidants were coded by means of an observation system that assesses outsiders' support and interference with regard to wives' marriages. Adjusted wives' conversations were more supportive of marriage than were unadjusted wives' conversations, but the groups did not differ on sequences involving interference behaviors. The proportion of happily married confidants in wives' networks was associated with the likelihood of confidants reciprocating wives' support of their own marriages, but confidants' characteristics did not predict interference. Regardless of marital adjustment, confidants' interference behaviors predicted wives' level of distress and distance from husbands after the conversations. The results, which have implications regarding social construction of cognitions in marriages, are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)

Restriction of Sexual Activity as a Partial Function of Disease Avoidance: A Cultural Response to Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Article

Full-text available

Nov 2001
CROSS-CULT RES

Across cultures, sexual relations are expected between husbands and wives. This expectation is virtually a constant, a universal. On the other hand, sexual relations between two persons who are not married to each other is much more of a variable across cultures. It is argued that part of the differences among cultures in their treatment of extramarital sexual activity is a function of the presence or absence of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Because of the serious sequelae of STDs on fertility, multiple sexual partners in the presence of STDs threatens the ability of a community to replace itself Hence, restrictions on the number of partners act to limit the adverse consequences of the STDs. In the absence of STDs in the breeding pool, no such restrictions are needed. Ethnographic data are provided in support of the thesis. (C) 2001 Sage Publications.

Networks' support and interference with regard to marriage: Disclosures of marital problems to confidants.

Article

Mar 1994

Conscious and unconscious factors in marital infidelity

Article

Jan 1974

Sexual frustration was named by 70% of the spouses as the reason for infidelity. Curiosity as a reason was given by 50% of the respondents, in the ratio of 3 males to every 2 females. In other cases, infidelity was also symptomatic of severe psychiatric disturbance. For several couples the extramarital affair of one spouse was an attempt to ward off a serious depression. In a number of alcoholics the attempt at infidelity took place only after drinking had lowered their inhibitions. By far the largest group whose unconscious dynamics triggered their infidelity were those who were warped by personality disorders. 50% of the spouses who had extramarital affairs were immature and antisocial in their behavior.

Extramarital Sexual Permissiveness: Conditions and Contingencies

Article

Nov 1976

This paper examines the relationship of some social factors with extramarital sexual permissiveness. The theoretical model tested is an adaptation of a middle-range theory of social factors and premarital sexual permissiveness. The major modification entails substituting extramarital sexual permissiveness for premarital sexual permissiveness as the dependent variable. Data used to test this theoretical model are from the 1974 NORC survey. Findings indicate that the best variable to explain extramarital sexual permissiveness is premarital sexual permissiveness. Social class as an independent variable offers very little in the way of an explanation of extramarital sexual permissiveness. The effects of religiosity on extramarital sexual permissiveness are usually negative with one exception: i.e., under conditions of highest liberality. A causal model of extramarital sexual permissiveness is tested and certain revisions are suggested for future research.

Age, Gender and Adultery

Article

Sep 1988

A sample of largely middle class and white British women and men has provided both quantitative and qualitative data about their attitudes and beliefs towards maintaining the sexual exclusivity rule of marriage and about any 'adulterous liaisons' they may have had. In this paper, mainly quantitative material is employed to show striking differences in attitudes and in reported behaviour in different age cohorts and between women and men. In particular the youngest women are the most 'permissive', waiting the least time following marriage for a first liaison although they still overwhelmingly believe in sexual fidelity when they marry. This group has 'overtaken' men in both attitude and behaviour. The group least concerned about sexual fidelity in marriage 'now' (as compared with when they first married) are those who have stayed married for over ten years to the same spouse but who themselves have had at least one liaison. Those most concerned are women who have remarried following a divorce in which adultery (either their own or their husband's) was relevant. It appears that gender is more salient than age. The most marked changes are traced to the decade 1968-78 when macrostructural and cultural events of greatest relevance to women occurred. Two especially are identified: the return of married women in large numbers into paid, albeit intermittent, employment outside the home and the widespread influence of what is here called the Myth of Me, a powerful belief in the need to develop the self -- 'self-actualisation'.

“The Relationship of Extra-Marital Sex, Length of Marriage and Sex Differences on Marital Satisfaction and Romanticism: Athanasiou's Data Reanalysed”

Article

Nov 1977

A reanalysis of subjects' responses to a Psychology Today sex questionnaire demonstrated that the relationship between extramarital sex (EMS), self-reported marital satisfaction, and divorce varies differentially for men and women by length of marriage. Divorce rates are higher for EMS than non-EMS women in young marriages and tend to be higher for EMS men in young and old marriages. EMS subjects generally report lower marital satisfaction than non-EMS subjects, except for women in young marriages and men in old marriages. Marital satisfaction declines the longer married, except for EMS husbands. Romanticism is lower for EMS subjects.

Sexual Behavior in and out of Marriage: An Assessment of Correlates

Article

Feb 1976

An assessment of the "demography" of two forms of sexual behavior is presented. The effects of 18 variables, pertaining to social background and the marital relationship, on the frequency of marital intercourse and extramarital involvement are evaluated. While the marital variables in general best account for variations in sexual patterns, the most efficacious predictors tend to differ with the type of behavior considered and whether it is the behavior of husbands or wives that is of concern. Complex as the findings are, they suggest that the sexual behavior of both males and females is largely contextual, determined to a greater extent by present circumstances than past background. Specifically, it appears that the more severe the marital strain—a salient aspect of the context considered—the lower the frequency of marital coitus; and as the latter becomes more infrequent, the more likely is extramarital involvement to occur.

Article

Dec 2000
Pers Soc Psychol Bull

The present research examined gender differences in the perceived prevalence of extradyadic sex (Study 1, n = 184) and of unsafe sex (Study 2, n = 170). Two opposing hypotheses were examined: the justification hypothesis, predicting that the higher the involvement in extradyadic and unsafe sex, the higher the perceived prevalence of such behaviors would be, and the stigmatization hypothesis, predicting that the higher the level of involvement, the lower the perceived prevalence of such behaviors would be. Among men, evidence was found for the justification hypothesis, whereas among women, more evidence was found for the stigmatization hypothesis. In Study 3 (n = 574) and Study 4 (n = 637), conducted in samples representative of the general population, evidence was found that when making prevalence estimates, women thought primarily of other women and men of other men.

An Exploratory Study of Young Persons' Attachment Styles and Perceived Reasons for Parental Divorce

Article

Jul 1998
J ADOLESCENT RES

The relation between young people 'perceptions of the reasonsfortheirparents 'divorces and their own feelings of security in romantic relationships was explored in this study. Eighty-one young persons from divorced homes completed the Reasons for Parental Divorce Questionnaire (RPDQ) developed specifically for this study and self-report instruments regarding attachment style, as measured by the Relationship Questionnaire (RQ) (Bartholomew & Horowitz, 1991) and the Relationships Scale Questionnaire (RSQ) (Griffin & Bartholomew, 1994). The majority (73%) of young people in this study described insecure attachment styles. As expected, perceptions of why parents divorced were significantly related to young persons'attachment outcomes. Reasons for divorce involving expressions of overt anger; the involvement of the children, and extramarital affairs were most important in differentiating secure and insecure young persons. Thus, these results indicate that there may be meaningful connections between young people 's understandings of theirparents 'divorces and their own romantic relational perspectives.

Extramarital Affairs And Constructed Meanings: A Social Constructionist Therapeutic Approach

Article

Mar 1997

It is estimated that 50-66% of married men and 45-55% of married women engage in extramarital sex (EMS) at some time during their marriage, and almost half come to therapy because of it. The meaning extramarital involvement holds for couples is socially defined and covers a broad spectrum, ranging from nothing more than a transgression to a severe threat to the marital bond. This complexity of meaning is true not only for clients but for therapists as well, and is further complicated by the fact that the meaning therapists assign to extramarital affairs determines the treatment options they choose, and thus can affect the couple. In general, couples define extramarital sex as problematic for the relationship, and marital and family therapists have generally been consistent with this view. As a result, they tend to use a problem-oriented therapeutic approach. The present article discusses the sociocultural definitions of extramarital sex that influence the reasons couples construct for involving themselves in EMS. It presents information on their typical psychological reactions, taking into account current research. This article attempts to address this issue by first presenting a review of what we know, the research on EMS, and then concentrating on marital meaning systems—their development and maintenance—focusing on social constructionist themes and therapy, which serve to shift the focus of a problem-oriented approach toward a search for the strengths of the EMS couple. Lastly, a fourstage social constructionist therapeutic model is proposed. The four stages of therapy with couples who have experienced an extramarital affair are 1) Joining the Family Meaning Systems, 2) Inviting the Couple to Explore Their Present Meaning Systems, 3) Inviting the

Using a cross-cultural Perspective to Understand Infidelity in Couples Therapy

Article

Jun 1997

At some point in their practice, all marital therapists encounter a couple who have been orare being affected by infidelity. The literature on infidelity lacks an understanding of its impact from a cultural perspective. This article discusses the ways in which infidelity is viewed within the context of three ethnic minorities in the United States: African Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Asian Americans. The authors will provide an overview of infidelity according to religious traditions. Case studies for each ethnic group will be presented to explore clinical treatment of infidelityfrom an ethnically sensitive perspective.

Differential Antecedents of Infidelity in Marriage

Article

Oct 1984

Examined the relationships among marital infidelity congruency (as measured by the Vocational Preference Inventory), self-acceptance (as measured by the Personal Orientation Inventory), marital happiness (Wallace-Locke Marital Adjustment Test), and marital satisfaction (the Satisfaction with Spouse and Marriage form) in 32 female and 27 male marital counseling clients. Mean age of Ss was about 34 yrs; about 47% of Ss were involved in liaisons with coworkers as opposed to others (neighbors, strangers). Demographic variables also were examined. Number of liaisons engaged in did not correlate with age, age at marriage, or reported sexual satisfaction. Number of liaisons was related to lower levels of marital happiness and satisfaction, lower self-acceptance, and lower compatibility scores. Ss who had liaisons with coworkers appeared to have significantly more rewarding marriages than those who had liaisons with others. These Ss also had half as many extramarital liaisons and were married nearly twice as long as those having liaisons with others, suggesting that proximity and common interests, rather than needs for self-esteem enhancement or excitement, were motivating factors. (22 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)

Expectations and Attributions Regarding Extramarital Sex Among Young Married Individuals

Article

Aug 1996

Explored beliefs regarding the interrelationship of sex, love, and marriage as predictors of extramarital sex (EMS) through face-to-face interviews with 45 married adults (aged 23–36 yrs). Expectations of monogamy and a core set of attributions regarding EMS were pervasive among Ss. Marital dissatisfaction or problems were often seen as the source of spousal EMS, and these reasons were viewed as the most upsetting to the Ss. The least upsetting circumstance surrounding spousal EMS was sexual activity without emotional involvement. The estimated likelihood that spousal EMS would cause harm to the marriage was high. Ss viewed sex, love, and marriage as negatively related to whether one believed either spouse would engage in EMS, or that such activity would be considered acceptable, yet positively related to whether a S would disclose EMS to their spouse and would want such disclosure themselves. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)

Treating Affair Couples: Extending the Written Disclosure Paradigm to Relationship Trauma

Article

Jun 2004
CLIN PSYCHOL-SCI PR

Considerable evidence now supports the psychological and health benefits of written emotional disclosure when pursued in an individual context. However, the literature has largely emphasized intrapersonal processes and outcomes to the neglect of interpersonal applications of the written disclosure paradigm, despite the fact that painful and traumatic emotional events frequently occur in the context of intimate personal relationships. In this commentary, we describe an extension of the written disclosure paradigm to the treatment of couples struggling to recover from an extramarital affair. Preliminary findings offer promise for integrating mutual written disclosure as an intervention component in treating relationship trauma.

Commitment to the Relationship, Extradyadic Sex, and AIDS Preventive Behavior1

Article

Jul 1997
J APPL SOC PSYCHOL

This study was conducted among 251 heterosexual adults in The Netherlands that included a substantial number of individuals who had had unprotected sex with a new partner. Relationship status and commitment had independent effects upon the willingness to engage in extradyadic sex above and beyond the effects of past extradyadic sex and satisfaction, and commitment was the only psychological predictor of the intention to use condoms in extradyadic sexual contacts. Commitment predicted the willingness to inform the steady partner about one's unsafe extradyadic sex and to protect the steady partner against the possible risk of HIV infection after unsafe extradyadic sex. The implications for AIDS prevention are discussed.

Decision-making in extramarital relationships

Article

Jan 1985

A model was constructed and used to generate hypotheses regarding situational determinants, motives, and restraints affecting extramarital decision-making. Statistically significant differences between males and females were found on factors influencing extramarital sexual relationships. It was concluded that men have a greater expectation of personal involvement, are strongly influenced by perceived payoffs, and are more likely to respond to what they regard as justifications for their behavior. Women are more responsive to risks which they see as more likely to occur and to be more destructive. Avoiding hurt for themselves and others is an important consideration. Counseling implications are discussed.

Factors influencing a woman's decision to end an extramarital sexual relationship

Article

Feb 1992

David Farley Hurlbert

While the role of individual characteristics has been examined for extramarital sexual involvement, the literature has yet to document personal factors associated with the termination of an affair. In doing so, this study examines the impact of a woman's sex role attributes ("masculinity") and attitudes toward sex (erotophobia-erotophilia) on her decision to terminate an extramarital affair. Masculinity was not related to affair length. The more positive a woman's attitude toward sex, the longer she continued the extramarital relationship. A further descriptive analysis suggests that this relationship may hold only for women in sexual affairs. The implications of these findings, methodological advances, and limitations of this study are discussed. Finally, recommendations for future research are explored.

Premarital sexual behavior and postmarital adjustment

Article

Jun 1974

Data from a large sample survey of sexual attitudes and behavior were examined for correlations between various premarital sexual experiences and postmarital sexual behavior. Hypotheses concerning the effects of intervening and extraneous variables on the relationships between premarital chastity and postmarital adjustment did not receive support. In general, a relationship between pre- and postmarital sexual activity exists in these data despite the fact that extraneous variables such as liberalism and romanticism were held constant. Moreover, value-behavior discrepancy when viewed as an intervening variable did not account for the premarital-postmarital correlations. The implications of these correlations are discussed in terms of developing norms for new types of marital sex ethics.

Sexual narcissism: A validation study

Article

Feb 1994

Sexual narcissism, an egocentric pattern of sexual behavior, has recently been described in the literature and has been discovered to be associated with cluster B type personality disorders. Although the research seems to have validated sexual narcissism as a characteristic of borderline and histrionic personality disorders, it is yet to be tested with narcissistic personalities. In an effort to further explore this relationship as well as the validity of sexual narcissism, this study systematically compared a sample (ages 24-33 years) of males with narcissistic personality disorder with an adequately matched sample of males without personality disorders. As compared to the control group, narcissistic men were found to have significantly lower self-esteem, more negative attitudes toward sex, greater egocentric patterns of sexual behavior, more conservative or traditional gender-role orientation, and greater sexual preoccupation. Despite these findings, there were no significant differences between the groups on sexual depression and the narcissistic men evidenced significantly higher sexual esteem. Implications for these findings are discussed.

Antecedents and consequences of negative marital stressors

Article

May 2002

Many couples seeking therapy report the occurrence of severe, negative marital stressors (e.g., infidelity, threats of marital dissolution). In addition, existing research has demonstrated that these marital stressors precipitate Major Depressive Episodes and psychological symptoms. This longitudinal study examines the antecedents and consequences of negative marital stressors to help clinicians and researchers develop interventions that might prevent these stressors and their outcomes. Forty-one women completed a semistructured interview and measures of marital discord and depressive symptoms within one month after experiencing a marital stressor (baseline) and at a 16-month follow up. The results indicate that baseline marital discorded contributes to the occurrence of additional marital stressors during the follow-up period. Although baseline depressive symptoms do not predict additional marital stressors, depressive symptoms along with marital discord predict future depressive symptoms. Finally, baseline marital discord and additional marital stressors contribute to future marital dissolution. Clinical and research implications are discussed.

An examination of indirect risk of exposure to HIV among wives of substance-abusing men

Article

Jun 2003
DRUG ALCOHOL DEPEN

The purpose of the present investigation was to explore risk and preventive behaviors for potential HIV exposure among 362 married drug-abusing men entering outpatient treatment and their wives. During the year before entering treatment, 144 husbands (40%) reported they had engaged in sexual or drug use behaviors that placed them at high risk for HIV exposure. Nearly all of the wives of these husbands (n=138, 96%) reported they had sexual intercourse with their spouses during this same time period. Among these sexually active couples, 108 of the wives (78%) reported that condoms were not regularly used when they had intercourse with their spouses, thus placing them at high risk for indirect exposure to HIV. Seventy-seven (71%) of these 108 wives reported they were not aware their husbands had engaged in high risk behaviors and thus were unknowingly placed at high risk for indirect exposure to HIV. Among those couples with husbands who had engaged in a high risk behavior, longer marriages, a diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder for husbands, and wives' lack of knowledge of husbands' high risk behaviors were uniquely associated with an increased likelihood of wives being placed at high risk for indirect exposure to HIV.

Intrapersonal, Interpersonal, and Contextual Factors in Engaging in and Responding to Extramarital Involvement

Abstract

No full-text available

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