Predicting sexual infidelity in a population-based sample of married individuals

J Fam Psychol. 2007 Jun;21(2):320-4. doi: 10.1037/0893-3200.21.2.320.

Abstract

Predictors of 12-month prevalence of sexual infidelity were examined in a population-based sample of married individuals (N = 2,291). Predictor variables were organized in terms of involved-partner (e.g., personality, religiosity), marital (e.g., marital dissatisfaction, partner affair), and extradyadic (e.g., parenting) variables. Annual prevalence of infidelity was 2.3%. Controlling for marital dissatisfaction and demographic variables, infidelity was predicted by greater neuroticism and lower religiosity; wives' pregnancy also increased the risk of infidelity for husbands. In comparison, self-esteem and partners' suspected affair were predictive of infidelity when controlling for demographic variables but were not uniquely predictive of infidelity when also controlling for marital dissatisfaction. Religiosity and wives' pregnancy moderated the association between marital dissatisfaction and infidelity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Extramarital Relations / psychology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Marriage / psychology*
  • Middle Aged
  • Neurotic Disorders / psychology
  • Parenting / psychology
  • Personal Satisfaction
  • Personality Inventory
  • Pregnancy / psychology
  • Religion and Psychology
  • Risk Factors
  • Statistics as Topic