Influence of online sexual activity (OSA) perceptions on OSA experiences among individuals in committed relationships: Perceived risk and perceived infidelity

Abstract

Researchers have suggested that specific perceptions of online sexual activities (OSAs) are significant factors in our understanding of engagement in OSAs. In this study, we examined the influences of perceptions of OSAs on actual OSAs via perceived risk and infidelity of OSA among individuals in committed relationships. OSAs were classified as viewing sexually explicit material, seeking sexual partners, cybersex, and flirting. Perceived risk of OSA was defined as the possibility of the partner’s awareness of an individual’s OSAs and the consequences of that awareness. Perceived infidelity of OSA was defined as a person’s view of whether one’s own OSAs constituted infidelity. A questionnaire examining OSA experience, perceived risk of OSA, and perceived infidelity of OSA was administered to 347 heterosexual participants in committed relationships. The results showed that perceived risk and infidelity of OSA were positively correlated and negatively related to OSAs. Moreover, the perceived infidelity of OSA mediated the relationship between the perceived risk of OSA and OSAs. These findings suggest that specific perceptions of OSA are essential in our exploration of the mechanism underlying engagement in OSAs by people in committed relationships.

Keywords:

• Online sexual activity
• Perceived risk
• Perceived infidelity
• Perception
• Infidelity

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This research is supported by the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (SWU1709244).

Notes on contributors

Yue Liu

Yue Liu is a graduate student in gender psychology. Her main research interests are on online sexual activity and sexually explicit materials use.

Caizhen Yue

Caizhen Yue, PhD, is an associate professor in social psychology. His research focuses on the role of reflected appraisals in shaping the self-concept in the social environment.

Lijun Zheng

Lijun Zheng, PhD, is a professor in gender psychology. His main research interests are on sexual role preference and health of gay and lesbians.