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

ABSTRACT

A 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.

KEYWORDS:

• Sex
• alcohol
• young adults
• attachment
• relationship satisfaction

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Sesen Negash

Sesen Negash, Ph.D., MFT, is an assistant professor in the Couple and Family Therapy Program at the Alliant University. Her research focuses on examining and understanding the interpersonal implications of sexual behaviors (i.e. pornography, cybersex, and sexual infidelity) on monogamous dating relationships.

Amanda Veldorale-Brogan

Amanda Veldorale-Griffin, Ph.D., MFT, is a clinician in private practice at the Family Alliance and a senior consultant at the People Consulting International. Her research and advocacy work focuses on family functioning for transgender parents and their children.

Sara B. Kimber

Sara Kimber, MA, MFTI, is a clinical therapist at County of Riverside in Southern California. She earned her professional degree with distinction from the Alliant International University, San Diego. Her areas of interest include gerontology and public mental health.

Frank D. Fincham

Frank Fincham, Ph.D., is an eminent scholar and the director of the Florida State University Family Institute. His research focuses on understanding marriage/partnerships, particularly cognitive processes involved in conflict and the impact of interparental conflict/divorce on children.