Abstract
In sexually monogamous relationships (SMR), sociosexuality, or the predisposition to engage in extradyadic casual sex, is negatively associated with relationship outcomes. However, mutually consenting to sexually non-MR (SNMR) does not hinder relationship outcomes. Recent research has extended these findings to the phenomenon of online extradyadic sexual behavior. The aim of this study was to examine whether this sexual agreement moderates the association between sociosexuality and relationship satisfaction in a sample of romantically involved heterosexuals registered on a dating Web site directed at other romantically involved heterosexuals-Second Love. A sample of 329 Portuguese heterosexuals (66% men) aged 18-68 (M = 41.47, SD = 10.19) completed a web survey. A bootstrapped moderation analysis showed the expected negative association between sociosexuality and satisfaction, b = -0.18, p = 0.013. However, this was moderated by sexual agreement, b = 1.12, p < 0.001. While individuals in SMR showed the negative association, bwomen = -0.46, p < 0.001, bmen = -0.67, p < 0.001, for those in SNMR the association between unrestricted sociosexuality and satisfaction was positive, bwomen = 0.63, p = 0.002, bmen = 0.46, p = 0.006. Gender did not moderate these results. The current study suggests that dating Web sites for romantically involved heterosexuals are not necessarily negative for relationship outcomes as long as there is a consensual agreement for sexual nonmonogamy. This adds to the growing body of literature examining online sexual behavior and sexual infidelity.
Highlights
As most of these investigations referred to individuals in sexually monogamous relationships (SMR), our study focused on differences based in the sexual agreement within the couple
We found support for our hypothesis that deceptive behaviors are perceived as infidelity by individuals in SMR and sexually non-monogamous relationships (SNMR)
Our results showed that unrestricted sociosexuality was negatively associated with relationship satisfaction in SMR
Summary
As most of these investigations referred to individuals in sexually monogamous relationships (SMR), our study focused on differences based in the sexual agreement within the couple. Individuals in unfulfilled relationships view online interactions as a means to feel understood, share personal feelings, and express their sexual selves.[29] This allows them to reach an emotional intimacy level that is not being met with the primary relationship.[1] For instance, one study found better communication and higher levels of relationship satisfaction in an intimate relationship in Second Life than in a real-life romantic relationship.[30] Within committed relationships, engaging in online sexual and/or emotional interactions can result in a crisis or intensify pre-existing relationship problems.[31] For instance, the compulsive use of Internet has been associated with lower relationship quality (e.g., greater conflicts and lower commitment and intimacy).[32] not all online interactions are detrimental to romantic relationships.[33,34] For example, Grov and colleagues[35] showed that moderate or light amounts of online sexual activities can yield relationship benefits, including increases in the quality and frequency of sex, and greater intimacy with the primary partner This seems to depend on the agreements conveyed in the relationship and on what role technologymediated behaviors play in the relationship. The fact that individuals in SNMR are more sociosexually unrestricted[26] and have more extradyadic sex[25] than those in SMR suggests a positive association between sociosexuality and relationship satisfaction for these individuals
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