Predicting the Tendency to Marital Infidelity Based on the Use of Internet Pornography with Mediating Role of Marital Quality

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Science, Yazd University, Yazd, Iran.

2 Department of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Yazd University, Yazd, Iran

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to predict the propensity for marital infidelity in relation to the consumption of pornographic material on the Internet, with marital quality serving as a mediator. The statistical population for this descriptive study utilizing path analysis comprised all married individuals residing in Isfahan in 2021. 360 married individuals were selected using an online sampling method and completed questionnaires assessing their propensity for infidelity (TIQ), the quality of their relationships (RDAS), and their exposure to Internet pornography (CPU). The findings indicated that pornography significantly and positively predicted propensity for infidelity, whereas marital quality significantly and negatively predicted the same. The data collected from the questionnaires was analyzed utilizing the path analysis method and the SPSS-26 and Amus-24 software programs. Additionally, path analysis revealed that the quality of marital relations significantly mediates the connection between pornography and marital infidelity. Based on the research findings, it appears that problematic Internet usage, particularly the consumption of explicit sexual content, may incite couples to engage in extramarital affairs. Furthermore, in cases where marital relationships are of poor quality, pornographic viewing appears to exacerbate the propensity for extramarital relationships.

Keywords

References

آذرنیک، م.، و آقایی، ا. (1394). پیش‌بینی کیفیت روابط زناشویی براساس مؤلفه‌های هوش هیجانی (خوش‌بینی/ تنظیم هیجان، ارزیابی از هیجانات، مهارت‌های اجتماعی و کاربرد هیجانات) در زوجین شهر اصفهان. دومین کنفرانس بین‌المللی روان‌شناسی، علوم تربیتی و سبک زندگی. 29 بهمن 1394، دانشگاه تربت‌حیدریه. https://elmnet.ir/doc/20514129-2811
بشیرپور، م. شفیع‌آبادی، ع.، و دوکانه‌ای‌فرد، ف. (1397). ویژگی‌های روان‌سنجی مقیاس گرایش به خیانت زناشویی. فصلنامۀ علمی-پژوهشی روان‌سنجی. 6(24)، 55-37. https://jpsy.roudehen.iau.ir/article_1289.html
بیرم‌وند، ی. (1397). پیش‌بینی استفاده از هرزه‌نگاری اینترنتی براساس ویژگی‌های شخصیتی و کیفیت روابط زناشویی در متأهلین شهر اصفهان. پایان‌نامۀ کارشناسی ارشد روان‌شناسی. دانشگاه یزد، دانشکدۀ روان‌شناسی و علوم تربیتی.
عیسی‌نژاد، ا.، احمدی، س.، و اعتمادی، ع. (1389). اثربخشی غنی‌سازی روابط بر بهبود کیفیت روابط زناشویی زوجین. مجلۀ علوم رفتاری. 4(1)، 16-9. https://www.behavsci.ir/article_67672.html
مؤمنی جاوید، م.، و شعاع کاظمی، م. (1396). دیدگاه‌های نظری خیانت زناشویی و بهبود روابط با تأکید بر راهبردهای علمی مشاوره‌ای. تهران: آوای نور.
نیکویی، ف.، برجعلی، ا.، و معتمدی، ع. (1401). تبیین مدل روابط ساختاری گرایش به روابط فرازناشویی براساس ذهنیت طرحواره‌ای؛ نقش واسطه‌ای سبک دلبستگی. سازمان نظام پزشکی. 40(2)، 134-124. https://jmciri.ir/article-1-3191-fa.html
References
Adamopoulou, E. (2013). New facts on infidelity. Economics Letters, 121(3), 458-462. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.econlet.2013.09.025    
Azarnik, M., & Aghaei, A. (2016). Predicting the quality of marital relationships based on the components of emotional intelligence (optimism/emotion regulation, evaluation of emotions, social skills and application of emotions) in Isfahan couples. 2nd International Conference of Psychology, Educational Sciences and Lifestyle. 18 Feb 2016, Torbat Heydarieh University (in Persian)
Al Mamun, M. A., Arafat, S. Y., Ambiatunnahar, M., & Griffiths, M. D. (2019). Attitudes and risk factors of pornography consumption among Bangladeshi university students: An exploratory study. International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction, 17(2), 323–335. http://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-018-0021-7
Allen, E. S., Atkins, D. C., Baucom, D. H., Snyder, D. K., Gordon, K. C., & Glass, S. P. (2005). Intrapersonal, interpersonal, and contextual factors in engaging in and responding to extramarital involvement. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 12(2), 101-130. https://psycnet.apa.org/doi/10.1093/clipsy.bpi014
Atkins, D. C., Baucom, D. H., & Jacobson, N. S. (2001). Understanding infidelity: Correlates in a national random sample. Journal of Family Psychology, 15(4), 735-749. https://psycnet.apa.org/doi/10.1037/0893-3200.15.4.735
Bashirpur, M., Shafiabadi, A., & Dokaneheefard, F. (2018). Psychometric properties of the scale of marital infidelity. Psychometric Quarterly, 6(24), 37-55. https://jpsy.roudehen.iau.ir/article_1289.html?lang=en (in Persian)
Bernarte, R. P., Estella, V. J. G., Nucon, D. M., & Villatema, J. D. O. (2016). Internet pornography consumption and relationship commitment of Filipino married individuals. Asia Pacific Journal of Multidisciplinary Research, 4(3), 34-41. http://www.apjmr.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/APJMR-2016.4.3.05.pdf
Beyramvand, Y. (2017). Predictiong the use of internet pornography based on personality traits and marital quality among married people in Isfahan. Master’s thesis in psychology. Yazd University, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences. (In Persian)
 Bridges, A. J., & Morokoff, P. J. (2011). Sexual media use and relational satisfaction in heterosexual couples. Personal Relationships, 18(4), 562–585. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1475-6811.2010.01328.x
Busby, D. M., Christensen, C., Crane, D. R., & Larson, J. H. (1995). A revision of the Dyadic Adjustment Scale for use with distressed and nondistressed couples: Construct hierarchy and multidimensional scales. Journal of Marital and family Therapy, 21(3), 289-308. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1752-0606.1995.tb00163.x
Buzzell, T. (2005). Demographic characteristics of persons using pornography in three technological contexts. Sexuality & Culture, 9, 28–48. https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2005-02031-003
Clark, C. A., & Wiederman, M. W. (2000). Gender and reactions to a hypothetical relationship partner’s masturbation and use of sexually explicit media. Journal of Sex Research, 37(2), 133–141. http://www.jstor.org/stable/3813598
Cooper, A. (1998). Sexuality and the Internet: Surfing into the new millennium. CyberPsychology & Behavior, 1(2), 187–193. https://doi.org/10.1089/cpb.1998.1.187
De Stefano, J., & Oala, M. (2008). Extramarital affairs: Basic considerations and essential tasks in clinical work. The Family Journal, 16(1), 13-19. https://doi.org/10.1177/1066480707309128
Doran, K., & Price, J. (2014). Pornography and marriage. Journal of Family and Economic Issues, 35(4), 489-498. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10834-014-9391-6
Drigotas, S. M., & Barta, W. (2001). The cheating heart: Scientific explorations of infidelity. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 10(5), 177-180. https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-8721.00143
Fernandez, D. P., & Griffiths, M. D. (2021). Psychometric instruments for problematic pornography use: A systematic review. Evaluation & the Health Professions, 44(2), 111-141. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31284745/
Flood, M. (2009). The harms of pornography exposure among children and young people. Child Abuse Review, 18(6), 384–400. https://doi.org/10.1002/car.1092
Garg, A., & Ruhela, S. (2015). Investigation of attitude of college youth toward infidelity. International Journal of Education and Psychological Research, 4(1), 72–75. https://ijepr.org/panel/assets/papers/163ij17.pdf
Grubbs, J. B., Sessoms, J., Wheeler, D. M., & Volk, F. (2010). The Cyber-Pornography Use Inventory: The development of a new assessment instrument. Sexual Addiction & Compulsivity, 17(2), 106-126. https://doi.org/10.1080/10720161003776166
Gwinn, A. M., Lambert, N. M., Fincham, F. D., & Maner, J. K. (2013). Pornography, relationship alternatives, and intimate extradyadic behavior. Social Psychological and Personality Science, 4(6), 699-704. https://doi.org/10.1177/1948550613480821
Hald, G. M., & Malamuth, N. M. (2008). Self-perceived effects of pornography consumption. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 37(4), 614–625. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-007-9212-1
Hald, G. M., Malamuth, N. N., & Lange, T. (2013). Pornography and sexist attitudes among heterosexuals. Journal of Communication, 63(4), 638-660. https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2013-28130-004
Halford, W. K., Markman, H. J., Kling, G. H., & Stanley, S. M. (2003). Best practice in couple relationship education. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 29(3), 385-406. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1752-0606.2003.tb01214.x
Harper, C., & Hodgins, D. C. (2016). Examining correlates of problematic internet pornography use among university students. Journal of Behavioral Addictions, 5(2), 179-191. https://doi.org/10.1556/2006.5.2016.022
Hollist, C. S., & Miller, R. B. (2005). Perceptions of attachment style and marital quality in midlife marriage. Family Relations, 54(1), 46-57. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.0197-6664.2005.00005.x
Isanejad, O., & Bagheri, A. (2018). Marital quality, loneliness, and internet infidelity. Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, 21(9), 542-548. https://doi.org/10.1089/cyber.2017.0602
Isanezhad, O. (2010). Effectiveness of relationship enhancement on marital quality of couples. International Journal of Behavioral Sciences, 4(1), 9-16. (In Persian)
Jahandar Lashki, S., Hosseini, S. S., & Kakabarayi, K. (2020). Developing a Structural Model to Predict the Attitude towards Infidelity based on Media Consumption and Mediators of Inefficient Attitudes, Marital Conflicts, and Sexual Satisfaction. International Journal of Psychology, 14(2), 158-184. http://dorl.net/dor/20.1001.1.20081251.2020.14.2.6.0
Kline R. B. (2016). Data preparation and psychometrics review. In Kline R. B. (Ed.), Principles and practice of structural equation modeling (4th ed., pp. 64-96). New York, NY: Guilford.
Kohut, T., Balzarini, R. N., Fisher, W. A., & Campbell, L. (2018). Pornography’s associations with open sexual communication and relationship closeness vary as a function of dyadic patterns of pornography use within heterosexual relationships. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 35(4), 655-676. https://doi.org/10.1177/0265407517743096
Kohut, T., Fisher, W. A., & Campbell, L. (2017). Perceived effects of pornography on the couple relationship: Initial findings of open-ended, participant-informed, “bottom-up” research. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 46(2), 585-602. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-016-0783-6
Lambert, J. E., Engh, R., Hasbun, A., & Holzer, J. (2012). Impact of posttraumatic stress disorder on the relationship quality and psychological distress of intimate partners: A meta-analytic review. Journal of Family Psychology, 26(5), 729-737. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0029341
Larson J. M. (2014). Relationship satisfaction, attitudes toward infidelity, Facebook, and infidelity. Ph.D. Dissertation in Clinical Psychology, Graduate Faculty of Trevecca Nazarene University. https://www.proquest.com/openview/5aabb43ffdde089c46deb59f1b3cd772/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=18750
Maddox Shaw, A. M., Rhoades, G. K., Allen, E. S., Stanley, S. M., & Markman, H. J. (2013). Predictors of extradyadic sexual involvement in unmarried opposite-sex relationships. Journal of Sex Research, 50(6), 598-610. https://doi.org/10.1080/00224499.2012.666816
Maddox, A. M., Rhoades, G. K., & Markman, H. J. (2011). Viewing sexually-explicit materials alone or together: Associations with relationship quality. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 40(2), 441-448. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-009-9585-4
Manning, J. C. (2006). The impact of internet pornography on marriage and the family: A review of the research. Sexual Addiction & Compulsivity, 13(2-3), 131-165. https://doi.org/10.1080/10720160600870711
Mark, K. P., Janssen, E., & Milhausen, R. R. (2011). Infidelity in heterosexual couples: Demographic, interpersonal, and personality-related predictors of extradyadic sex. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 40(5), 971–982. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-011-9771-z
Marks, S. R. (1989). Toward a systems theory of marital quality. Journal of Marriage and the Family, 51, 15-26.
Mauer-Vakil, D., & Bahji, A. (2020). The Addictive Nature of Compulsive Sexual Behaviours and Problematic Online Pornography Consumption: A Review. Canadian Journal of Addiction, 11(3), 42-51. https://doi.org/10.1097/cxa.0000000000000091
McKee, A. (2007). The positive and negative effects of pornography as attributed by consumers. Australian Journal of Communication, 34, 87–104. https://eprints.qut.edu.au/14575/
McKenzie, B. (2021). The Experience of Internet Pornography among Married Christian Men from a Counselor’s Perspective. PhD Dissertation, School of Psychology, Capella University. https://www.proquest.com/openview/171da60be76c37ed8e68e7ed175f1791/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=18750&diss=y
Meyers, L. S., Gamst, G., & Guarino, A. J. (2012). Applied multivariate research: Design and interpretation (2nd Edition). London: Sage Publications.
Momeni Javid, M., Shoae Kazemi, M. (2017). Theoretical perspectives on marital infidelity and improving relationships with emphasis on scientific consulting strategies. Tehran: Avaye Noor Publications. )In Persian)
Muusses, L. D., Kerkhof, P., & Finkenauer, C. (2015). Internet pornography and relationship quality: A longitudinal study of within and between partner effects of adjustment, sexual satisfaction and sexually explicit internet material among newly-weds. Computers in Human Behavior, 45, 77-84. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2014.11.077
Nikmanesh, Z., & Ganjali, S. (2021). Relationship between the use of pornography and marital sexual satisfaction with attitudes towards marital infidelity in married women in Zahedan City. International Journal of High-Risk Behaviors and Addiction, 10(3), e109168. https://doi.org/10.5812/ijhrba.109168
Nikoee., F, Borjali., A., & Motamedi, A. (2023). Explaining the model of structural relations of tendency to extramarital relations based on schema mentality; the mediating role of attachment style. Jmciri, 40(2), 124-134. https://jmciri.ir/article-1-3191-fa.html (In Persian)
Noor, N. M., Mahdzir, A. M., Nor, A. M., & Abdullah, R. (2019). Marital Wellbeing Indicators amongst Malay Muslim Couple in Malaysia: A Preliminary Study. Malaysian Journal of Medicine & Health Sciences, 15. https://medic.upm.edu.my/upload/dokumen/2019042916004217_0314(Final)17.pdf
Olmstead, S. B., Negash, S., Pasley, K., & Fincham, F. D. (2013). Emerging adults’ expectations for pornography use in the context of future committed romantic relationships: A qualitative study. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 42(4), 625–635. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-012-9986-7
Peter, J., & Valkenburg, P. M. (2010). Processes underlying the effects of adolescents’ use of sexually explicit Internet material: The role of perceived realism. Communication Research, 37(3), 375–399. https://doi.org/10.1177/0093650210362464
Peter, J., & Valkenburg, P. M. (2016). Adolescents and pornography: A review of 20 years of research. The Journal of Sex Research, 53(4-5), 509-531. https://doi.org/10.1080/00224499.2016.1143441
Poulsen, F. O., Busby, D. M., & Galovan, A. M. (2013). Pornography use: Who uses it and how it is associated with couple outcomes. Journal of Sex Research, 50(1), 72-83. https://doi.org/10.1080/00224499.2011.648027
Previti, D., & Amato, P. R. (2004). Is infidelity a cause or a consequence of poor marital quality? Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 21(2), 217-230. https://doi.org/10.1177/0265407504041384
Rasmussen, K. (2016). A historical and empirical review of pornography and romantic relationships: Implications for family researchers. Journal of Family Theory & Review, 8(2), 173–191. https://doi.org/10.1111/jftr.12141
Rasmussen, K. R., Millar, D., & Trenchuk, J. (2019). Relationships and infidelity in pornography: An analysis of pornography streaming websites. Sexuality & Culture, 23(2), 571-584. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12119-018-9574-7
Rokach, A., & Philibert-Lignières, G. (2015). Intimacy, loneliness & infidelity. The Open Psychology Journal, 8(1), 71-77. http://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1874350101508010071
Rusbult, C. E., Martz, J. M., & Agnew, C. R. (1998). The investment model scale: Measuring commitment level, satisfaction level, quality of alternatives, and investment size. Personal relationships, 5(4), 357-387. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1475-6811.1998.tb00177.x
Schneider, J. P., & Schneider, B. H. (1996). Couple recovery from sexual addiction/co addiction: Results of a survey of 88 marriages. Sexual Addiction & Compulsivity: The Journal of Treatment and Prevention, 3(2), 111-126. https://doi.org/10.1080/10720169608400106
 Schneider, J. P. (2000). A qualitative study of cybersex participants: Gender differences, recovery issues, and implications for therapists. Sexual Addiction & Compulsivity, 7(4), 249–278. https://doi.org/10.1080/10720160008403700
Sharpe, M., & Mead, D. (2021). Problematic Pornography Use: Legal and Health Policy Considerations. Current Addiction Reports, 8(4), 556-567. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40429-021-00390-8
Short, M. B., Wetterneck, C. T., Bistricky, S. L., Shutter, T., & Chase, T. E. (2016). Clinicians’ beliefs, observations, and treatment effectiveness regarding clients’ sexual addiction and internet pornography use. Community Mental Health Journal, 52(8), 1070-1081. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-016-0034-2
Shuler, J., Brosi, M., Spencer, T., & Hubler, D. (2021). Pornography and Romantic Relationships: A Qualitative Examination of Individual Experiences. Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy, 47(6), 605–620. https://doi.org/10.1080/0092623X.2021.1930308
Stack, S., Wasserman, I., & Kern, R. (2004). Adult social bonds and use of internet pornography. Social Science Quarterly, 85(1), 75-88. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.0038-4941.2004.08501006.x
Tekinarslan, E. (2017). Relationship between Problematic Internet Use, Depression and Quality of Life Levels of Turkish University Students. Journal of Education and Training Studies, 5(3), 167-175. https://doi.org/10.11114/jets.v5i3.2238
Teo, T., & Noyes, J. (2014). Explaining the intention to use technology among pre-service teachers: a multi-group analysis of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology. Interactive Learning Environments, 22(1), 51-66. https://doi.org/10.1080/10494820.2011.641674
Thompson, A. P. (1983). Extramarital sex: A review of the research literature. Journal of Sex Research, 19(1), 1-22. http://www.jstor.org/stable/3812416
Troxel, W. M. (2006). Marital quality, communal strength, and physical health. Doctoral dissertation, University of Pittsburgh. http://d-scholarship.pitt.edu/id/eprint/7631
Wright, P. J., Tokunaga, R. S., Kraus, A., & Klann, E. (2017). Pornography consumption and satisfaction: A meta-analysis. Human Communication Research, 43, 315–343.
Yucel, D., & Gassanov, M. A. (2010). Exploring actor and partner correlates of sexual satisfaction among married couples. Social Science Research, 39(5), 725–738. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssresearch.2009.09.002
 Zillmann, D., & Bryant, J. (1988). Pornography’s impact on sexual satisfaction. Journal of Applied Social Psychology,18(5), 438–453. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1559-1816.1988.tb00027.x
Zitzman, S. T., & Butler, M. H. (2005). Attachment, addiction, and recovery: Conjoint marital therapy for recovery from a sexual addiction. Sexual Addiction & Compulsivity, 12(4), 311-337. https://doi.org/10.1080/10720160500362652
Journal of Applied Psychological Research
Volume 14, Issue 4
2024
Pages 185-201

Files

History

  • Receive Date: 04 January 2022
  • Revise Date: 04 February 2022
  • Accept Date: 14 March 2022
  • First Publish Date: 10 January 2024
  • Publish Date: 10 January 2024

Share

How to cite

Statistics