Sociosexual Orientation, Commitment, and Infidelity: A Mediation Analysis

ABSTRACT

Individuals with an unrestricted sociosexual orientation (SO) are less committed to their romantic relationships and more likely to engage in infidelity. Furthermore, commitment is negatively associated with tendencies to cheat. However, no previous research has examined the possible mediating role of commitment in the relationship between SO and infidelity. The current study examined whether commitment mediated the relationship between SO and willingness to engage in three types of cheating behaviors (Ambiguous, Deceptive, and Explicit). Results suggested that commitment partially mediated the relationship between SO and infidelity, such that unrestricted individuals had lower commitment, which in turn led to a greater likelihood of cheating. Implications of this association and directions for future research are discussed.

Keywords:

• couple relationships
• relationship quality
• sexual preference

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Brent A. Mattingly

Brent A. Mattingly is an Assistant Professor of psychology at Ashland University, and his research primarily focuses on relationships, motivation, and the self.

Eddie M. Clark

Eddie M. Clark is a Professor of psychology at Saint Louis University, and his research examines close relationships and health attitudes/persuasion.

Daniel J. Weidler

Daniel J. Weidler is currently a Graduate Student at Saint Louis University pursuing a PhD in Experimental (Social) Psychology.

Melinda Bullock

Melinda Bullock is a Doctoral Candidate in social psychology at Saint Louis University, and her research interests include health behavior and close relationships.

Jana Hackathorn

Jana Hackathorn is currently a Graduate Student pursuing a PhD in experimental (social) psychology at Saint Louis University, and her main areas of research interest includes close relationships and infidelity.

Katheryn Blankmeyer

Katheryn Blankmeyer is currently a Graduate Student pursuing a PhD in experimental (social) psychology at Saint Louis University, and her research interests include close relationships and attraction.