Extradyadic Involvement Research Articles

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

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).

An Exploratory Study of the Role of Infidelity Typologies in Predicting Attachment Anxiety and Avoidance.

Extradyadic involvement (EDI) is one of the greatest challenges that couples and couples therapists face. Many clinicians and researchers attempt to understand motivations for EDI; however, there is a lack of theory-driven research to support claims of infidelity typologies. The current study explored the relationship between adult attachment dimensions of avoidance and anxiety and the attachment-based typology proposed by Woolley (2010). Results indicate significant differences in attachment anxiety in high anxiety affair types versus low anxiety affair types. Results confirmed significant differences in mean attachment anxiety for participants endorsing multiple affairs.

A Latent Class Analysis Approach to Extradyadic Involvement

Extradyadic involvement — emotional, romantic, or sexual involvement with another person outside of one's romantic relationship — may have serious personal and relational consequences. The current research examines extradyadic involvement in two samples of individuals in relationships and identifies subgroups of people based on their engagement in different types of extradyadic behaviour. To assess involvement in such behaviour, we created a new behavioural inventory intended to broaden the conceptualisation of types of extradyadic behaviours. Subgroups of individuals who engage in these behaviours were extracted using latent class analysis. Study 1 assessed undergraduate students in relationships (N = 339), and results revealed four classes of individuals: loyal, confiding, deceptive, and unfaithful. Follow-up tests demonstrated that these classes of individuals differed significantly in ways that are consistent with the investment model and attachment theory. Study 2 (N = 202) replicated the four-class solution, as well as the group differences in relationship functioning and attachment orientations. Results suggest theoretically consistent typologies of extradyadic behaviour that may be useful in differentiating deceptive behaviour in close relationships in a more precise way.

Infidelity and Attachment: The Moderating Role of Race/Ethnicity

Couples therapists often describe infidelity as one of the most difficult clinical concerns to address. A contributing factor to this difficulty is the notable lack of research on extradyadic involvement (EDI) among diverse couples to develop an effective treatment approach. To address this gap in the extant literature, we examined racial/ethnic differences in the association between attachment style and EDI. We found that high attachment avoidance (fearful and dismissing) was identified as a risk factor for EDI among African American/Black participants, whereas an inverse relationship between fearful attachment and EDI was revealed among European/White participants in the sample. Further, high avoidance associated with fearful and dismissing attachment did not predict EDI among Latino participants. The comprehensive results of this study indicate that attachment—informed approaches must take cultural values and beliefs into consideration among couples affected by infidelity. Clinical implications for these findings are offered.

Predictors of extradyadic sex among young adults in heterosexual dating relationships: a multivariate approach

ABSTRACTA multivariate contextual analysis examined predictors of sexual extradyadic involvement (EDI) among young adults in heterosexual dating relationships. College students (n = 647) were surveyed to determine how a number of cultural precursors (i.e. gender, race, religiosity), relationship precursors (i.e. relationship satisfaction, relationship duration), alcohol related precursors (i.e. alcohol consumption, binge drinking,), and psychosocial precursors (i.e. attachment, symptoms of depression) predicted extradyadic sexual relationship within a two month period. Findings from a hierarchical regression analysis suggest that relationship satisfaction and attachment were the only reliable predictors of sexual EDI.

Extradyadic Involvement in Dating Relationships: Prevalence and Factor Structure of The Extradyadic Behavior Inventory

Objective: High rates of extradyadic involvement during dating have been reported. An increasing attention has been given to extradyadic online interactions. Recently, a measure including a comprehensive list of face-to-face and online extradyadic behaviors (EDB) was developed, the Extradyadic Behavior Inventory (EDBI; Luo, Carter, & Snyder, 2010). The aims of this study were to assess the prevalence rates of face-to-face and online EDB during exclusive dating relationships, and to examine the factor structure of the EDBI. Design and Method: The sample of this cross-sectional study consisted of 947 participants (275 men and 672 women), with a mean age of 23.40 years (SD = 3.99). Participants were in the current relationship for an average of 34 months. Participants completed a self-reported questionnaire on sociodemographic and relational information and the Portuguese version of the Extradyadic Behavior Inventory. Results: Most participants (66.2% of men and 60.4% of women) reported engagement in face-to-face EDB, and 50.2% of men and 42.1% of women reported engagement in online EDB. Men reported significantly higher engagement in online interactions than women. The exploratory factor analysis identified a two-factor structure for both face-to-face (physical/sexual and emotional) and online (sexual and emotional) EDB. Men reported significantly higher scores than women in all forms of extradyadic involvement. Conclusions: The two-factor models identified for face-to-face and online extradyadic involvement are consistent with the perspective that differentiates two types of infidelity – sexual and emotional. By covering a comprehensive list of clearly defined EDB, the EDBI overcomes important limitations of research on infidelity.

Adult Attachment and Extradyadic Involvement in Dating Relationships: The Mediating Role of Commitment

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess whether the association between attachment representations, attitudes toward infidelity, interest in alternatives and sexual and emotional extradyadic involvement (EDI), both face-to-face and online, was mediated by the level of commitment in the relationship. Design and Method: The sample of this cross-sectional study consisted of 628 participants (201 men and 427 women), with a mean age of 23.36 years (SD = 3.91), all of whom reported being in an exclusive dating relationship for an average of 34 months. Participants completed the following self-report questionnaires: Extradyadic Behaviors Inventory, Attitudes toward Infidelity Scale, Experience of Close Relationships – Short Form, and Investment Model Scale. Results: Avoidant attachment was significantly associated with more positive attitudes toward infidelity, greater interest in alternatives, and all forms of EDI. Attachment-related anxiety was only associated with emotional EDI. The association between attachment-related avoidance and more favorable attitudes toward infidelity, greater interest in alternatives and both face-to-face and online EDI was mediated by low levels of commitment. No mediating effects were found for attachment-related anxiety. Conclusions: Avoidantly attached individuals indicated greater interest in alternatives and propensity to engage in EDI, especially when the levels of commitment in the relationship were low. These results are consistent with the literature suggesting that avoidant individuals engage in extradyadic behaviors as a way to meet their desires of independency. Commitment emerges as a relevant variable clarifying the involvement in extradyadic behaviors that may compromise the relational well-being.

Infidelity in Dating Relationships: Gender-Specific Correlates of Face-to-Face and Online Extradyadic Involvement.

This study examined the gender-specific correlates of face-to-face and online extradyadic involvement (EDI) in dating relationships. The sample consisted of 561 women (M age=23.19years) and 222 men (M age=23.97years), all of whom reported being in an exclusive dating relationship for an average of 35months. Participants completed the following self-report measures: Extradyadic Behavior Inventory, Attitudes toward Infidelity Scale, and Investment Model Scale. During the current relationship, men were more likely than women to report engagement in face-to-face physical/sexual EDI (23.4 vs. 15.5%) and online sexual EDI (15.3 vs. 4.6%). Both men and women with a history of infidelity in a prior relationship were more likely to engage in EDI. More positive attitudes toward infidelity, lower relationship satisfaction, lower commitment, and higher quality of alternatives were significantly associated with EDI, regardless of gender. Women reporting infidelity of a partner in a prior relationship were more likely to engage in face-to-face and online emotional EDI; a longer relationship and a younger age at the first sexual encounter were significant correlates of the engagement in face-to-face emotional EDI. Women with higher education were approximately three times more likely to engage in online sexual EDI. Although men and women are converging in terms of overall EDI, men still report higher engagement in physical/sexual extradyadic behaviors, and the correlates of sexual and emotional EDI vary according to gender. This study contributes to a comprehensive approach of factors influencing the likelihood of EDI and encourages future research in this area.

Extradyadic Sex and its Predictors in Homo- and Heterosexuals.

Infidelity appears to be a common phenomenon. Although there are initially positive consequences for the unfaithful partner, it has negative impacts on individuals, the relationship and health in the long-term. How often are extradyadic sexual contacts indicated within a German sample? Which factors predict infidelity? Via Internet (n=1 899) socio-demographic, individual (attitudes towards infidelity, religiosity), relationship (global and emotional relationship satisfaction, length of primary relationship, sexual agreements), and contextual factors (opportunities) were surveyed. The results of the regression analysis on an 80% subsample (n=1 533) were cross-validated with the remaining 20% of the data (n=366). The analysis showed that 4% of lesbian women, 34% of gay men, 29% of heterosexual women and 49% of heterosexual men reported extra-dyadic sexual contacts. Sexual orientation and restrictive attitudes towards monogamy and infidelity were found to be significant predictors. Low global relationship satisfaction, longer duration of primary relationship, non-monogamous relationships, availability of alternative sexual partners and ways to conceal infidelity increased the likelihood of extradyadic involvement. Cross-validation with 20% of the data (n=366) confirmed the stability of the regression model. Future research should examine identified predictors using representative population-based data. Predictors should be considered in therapy.

Fear of Extradyadic Involvement: Contextual, Relationship, Intrapersonal, and Partner Factors

This study examined the associations between fear of extradyadic involvement (a subtype of romantic jealousy defined as the experience of anxiety, suspicion, worry, and mistrust about a partner engaging in EDI) with relationship, intrapersonal, partner, and contextual variables. A cross-sectional design was conducted and multiple regression was used to examine the associations between the identified predictors and fear of EDI using a sample of adult participants (N = 306) recruited from online resources. The overall regression model was statistically significant and the results indicated that anxious attachment, negative communication, opportunity, and partner alcohol use were predictive of fear of EDI. Implications for relationship education programs, couple therapists, and future research are discussed.

Childhood sexual abuse and attachment insecurities as predictors of women's own and perceived-partner extradyadic involvement

We examined the association between self-reported childhood sexual abuse and a woman's own and perceived-partner extradyadic involvement (EDI). The association was examined both directly and as potentially mediated by attachment-related anxiety and avoidance in a sample of 807 French Canadian women. In line with our hypotheses, we found that a personal history of CSA is associated with a woman's own and perceived-partner EDI and with the woman's levels of attachment anxiety and avoidance. The association between CSA and own EDI was partially mediated by attachment-related avoidance. The results suggest that a sense of betrayal stemming from CSA predisposes a woman to avoidance, which in turn predisposes her to EDI. The association between CSA and perceived-partner EDI was partially mediated by both attachment anxiety and avoidance. These results suggest that victims of CSA become suspicious of others’ relational behavior and intentions, which contribute to attachment-related anxiety and avoidance and both own and perceived-partner EDI.

Extradyadic Involvement and Relationship Dissolution in Heterosexual Women University Students

This study examined the role of extradyadic involvement (EDI) in heterosexual dating relationships among young adult females (N = 539). A considerable percentage of participants (36 %) reported that they had engaged in an extradyadic emotional or sexual relationship within the last 2 months. Results from logistic regression analyses supported the general hypothesis that emotional and sexual EDI were both significantly associated with relationship dissolution. These associations remained strong even after controlling for participants' age, relationship duration, and relationship quality. The findings also showed that the strength of the association between acts of emotional or sexual extradyadic behaviors and relationship dissolution was linked to relationship quality, gender of the actor, and type of EDI (emotional vs. sexual). Specifically, compared to participants who reported poor relationship quality, those who reported high relationship quality were more likely to end the partnership if they reported emotional or sexual EDI. Findings suggest that individuals in higher quality relationships appear to have considerably more to lose in their relationship when emotional or sexual EDI occurs. This, in part, may be because the more satisfactory the relationship the more disillusionment one may feel when betrayed by their romantic partner. Overall, the present findings underscore the multifaceted nature of the relationships between EDI and relationship dissolution. We call for more research that rigorously examines what contextual factors influence young adults in dating relationships to dissolve relationships following EDI.

Sliding Versus Deciding in Relationships: Associations With Relationship Quality, Commitment, and Infidelity

From choosing a partner to date to deciding to cohabit or marry, individuals are faced with many relationship choices. Given the costs of failed relationships (e.g., personal distress, problems with work, lower well-being for children, lost opportunities to meet other partners), it is important to consider how individuals are approaching these decisions. The current study tested if more thoughtful and clear relationship decision-making processes would relate to individuals’ levels of satisfaction with and dedication to their partners as well as their extradyadic involvements. In a sample of 252 men and women, the results showed that regardless of relationship status (i.e., dating, cohabiting, or married), those who reported more thoughtful decision-making processes also reported more dedication to their partners, higher satisfaction with the relationship, and fewer extradyadic involvements.

Disclosing Extra-Dyadic Involvement (EDI): Understanding Attitudes, Subjective Norms, and Perceived Behavioral Control

Extra-dyadic involvement (EDI) is a complex issue that affects many individuals, couples, and families. One important, relatively unexplored issue concerns the disclosure of EDI. Despite some scholarly discourse on whether disclosure should be facilitated in a therapeutic context (e.g., Butler et al. in J Marital Fam Ther 35:125–143, 2009; Butler et al. in Am J Fam Ther 36:265–283, 2008), empirical research has not studied the intrapersonal or interpersonal processes related to disclosure. In this study, we explored potential factors involved in the decision to disclose EDI by looking at the relationships among attitudes towards EDI (in terms of perceived justifications and costs), subjective norms (obligation to disclose), and perceived behavioral control (difficulty) associated with EDI disclosure. Our sample included 337 individuals enrolled in at least one university course at one of three geographically distinct universities. Findings indicate that more permissive attitudes towards EDI are not significantly associated to the perceived difficulty in disclosing EDI or the obligation associated with disclosing EDI involving sexual intercourse. However, more permissive attitudes are related to lower felt obligation to disclose EDI that does not involve direct sexual intercourse. Conversely, more restrictive attitudes towards EDI (perceived severity, degree of perceived upset, and how detrimental it is perceived to be to the relationship) predicted greater difficulty but also greater obligation in disclosing all forms of EDI. Specific implications of these findings, including potential implications for therapy, are discussed. Overall, this study provides preliminary information regarding potentially useful factors to consider in understanding the EDI disclosure process that may also be useful in developing intervention points in therapy.

Demand and withdraw behaviors in couples with a history of infidelity.

Although relationship distress and dissolution are common consequences of sexual involvement outside a committed relationship, there is little empirical information regarding communication behaviors of couples who have experienced extradyadic involvement (EDI). This study examined male and female demand and withdraw behaviors in videotaped conflict discussions among 170 married or seriously dating couples categorized into 3 groups: those without a history of sexual EDI, those with a history of sexual EDI that was known to the other partner, and those with a history of "unknown" (undisclosed or undiscovered) sexual EDI. Both men and women in a relationship where there was at least one unknown EDI demonstrated the highest levels of demand behaviors. Furthermore, demand behaviors were higher for participating partners (those engaging in an outside sexual relationship) in relationships with an unknown EDI compared with participating partners in relationships with a known EDI. Conversely, demand behaviors were higher among nonparticipating partners in relationships with known EDI, compared to with nonparticipating partners in relationships with unknown EDI. Withdraw behaviors demonstrated a less pronounced and less consistent pattern of elevation by EDI group, and role within EDI, compared with demand behaviors. Clinical and relational implications for these findings are discussed.

Correlates of Extra-Dyadic Sex in Czech Heterosexual Couples: Does Sexual Behavior of Parents Matter?

Despite frequent sanctions and potentially serious consequences, extra-dyadic involvements are a relatively common phenomenon. Previously, potential links among extra-dyadic involvements and personal or interpersonal characteristics were extensively explored. However, the developmental aspects of extra-dyadic relationships have been rather overlooked to date. Here, we focus on the association between self-reported extra-dyadic tendencies and behavior, and previous experience with extra-dyadic sex in prior romantic relationships and in the primary family. We asked both members of 86 long-term cohabiting couples to complete several inventories assessing various aspects of the relationship satisfaction, sociosexuality and extra-dyadic intentions and behavior. As in previous studies, we found a lower level of overall Dyadic Adjustment and in the subscales Affectional Expression and Dyadic Consensus, in particular, among women but not men who reported extra-pair sex. Neither experience with own nor partners' infidelity in previous relationships was linked to reported extra-pair sex in the current relationship. However, men who reported their fathers but not mothers being unfaithful were also significantly more often unfaithful and showed a higher level of extra-dyadic intentions. There was no association between parental infidelity and extra-pair sex or extra-dyadic intentions in women. Our results suggest that experience of infidelity within the primary family has an impact on subsequent behavior. However, this is the case only in men. Women's extra-dyadic activities seem to be affected instead by the quality of the current relationship. Future research is needed to test the influence of ontogenetic and hereditary factors on the development of infidelity tendencies.

An inventory and update of jealousy‐evoking partner behaviours in modern society

The goal of the present study was to identify the most important jealousy-evoking partner behaviours and to examine the extent to which these behaviours evoke jealousy. Based on the literature, a questionnaire was constructed containing 42 jealousy-evoking partner behaviours, including a partner's extra-dyadic involvement with someone else by means of modern communication devices, such as the Internet. A second study examined the extent to which undergraduates and a community sample experienced jealousy in response to these partner behaviours. Results showed that explicit unfaithful behaviours evoked most feelings of jealousy, followed by a partner's emotional or romantic involvement with someone else by means of modern communication devices. In general, older individuals responded with less jealousy in response to a partner's unfaithful and suspicious behaviours. Clinical implications are discussed.

Does college-based relationship education decrease extradyadic involvement in relationships?

We used latent growth curve modeling to examine the effectiveness of a relationship education intervention (Relationship U, or RU) on rates of extradyadic involvement in a sample of 380 college students in committed romantic relationships. RU is designed to be integrated into existing college courses; it educates students about partner selection, making healthy relationship transitions, communication skills, and the potentially negative consequences of cheating in romantic relationships and how to prevent its occurrence. Participants who received the intervention reported trajectories of less extradyadic involvement over time relative to control participants. Being female was not associated with less extradyadic involvement at baseline, but it did predict less extradyadic involvement over time across both intervention and control conditions. Implications for dissemination of relationship education are discussed.

The impact of socially conveyed norms on the reporting of sexual behavior and attitudes by men and women

This study explored the impact of verbally-conveyed social norms on college students’ reports of sexual behavior and attitudes. Some participants overheard a staged conversation that enforced conservative or permissive social norms. Men and women in the permissive condition were more likely to report extradyadic involvement than those in the conservative condition. Men in the conservative condition reported an older age at first intercourse and fewer lifetime and one-time only sexual partners than did men who did not overhear a conversation. Men’s and women’s reports of sexual attitudes were unaffected by the manipulation. That a transient social norm had an impact on reports of sexual behavior lends support to the notion that some apparent sex differences in sexual behavior are at least partially reporting differences due to the influence of differential social norms. Sexual attitudes were less influenced by the social context, suggesting that attitudinal sex differences may be more robust.

Not All Affairs are Created Equal: Emotional Involvement with an Extradyadic Partner

The goal of the current study was to explore how participants' recollection of their level of emotional involvement with an extradyadic partner related to the precipitants and outcomes of that involvement. Three hundred and forty-five undergraduates and 115 community individuals with a history of extradyadic involvement completed self-report measures about their most recent extradyadic experience. In both samples, greater emotional involvement with an extradyadic partner was related to dissatisfaction with the intimacy in the primary relationship prior to the affair, intimacy and self-esteem motivations for involvement, gradual onset of attraction to the extradyadic partner, lower remorse regarding the involvement, a greater likelihood of primary partner knowledge of the involvement, and (in the community sample) marital dissolution. A path model further identified interrelationships among the variables, such as direct effects of dissatisfaction with intimacy in the primary relationship and concern for the primary partner's feelings. Emotionally involved affairs are different from casual affairs in terms of precipitants, motivations, development, and outcomes, with implications for prevention, intervention, and understanding the dangers of different types of affairs.