The Mediating Role of Sensation Seeking and Impulsivity in the Association of Internet Addiction with Marital Boredom and Attitude towards Marital Infidelity

Abstract

Introduction: Internet addiction can lead to excessive online communication and boundary-less interactions over time. This could result in issues, such as marital boredom and marital infidelity. Aim: Investigating the mediating role of sensation seeking and impulsivity in the association of Internet addiction with marital boredom and attitude towards marital infidelity. Method: In this descriptive, correlational study, structural equation modeling was employed. The study population comprised all married employees of the Tourism Information Technology Development Company in Tehran, Iran, during 2022. A subset of 106 individuals was selected for this study via convenience sampling. The research tools included the Internet Addiction Diagnostic Questionnaire (1998), Marital Boredom Questionnaire (1996), Attitude Towards Infidelity Scale (2006), Sensation Seeking Scale (1978), and Impulsiveness Scale (1995). Data was analyzed using Pearson's correlation coefficient test and structural equation modeling. The analyses were conducted using SPSS Version 25 and SmartPLS Version 3 software. Results: The present findings indicated the direct, positive, and significant impact of Internet addiction on marital boredom, sensation seeking, impulsivity and attitude towards marital infidelity (P<0.05). The results also indicated the significant direct effects of sensation seeking and impulsivity on both marital boredom and attitude towards infidelity (P<0.05). Additionally, the bootstrap test results indicated the significant indirect effect of Internet addiction on marital boredom and attitude towards infidelity; this effect was found to be mediated by sensation seeking and impulsivity (P<0.05). Conclusion: The use of the Internet can gradually foster dependency and alter the dynamics of relationships between couples. This can lead to conflicts, impulsivity, and a search for emotional resolution in the virtual space, ultimately resulting in marital boredom and laying the groundwork for marital infidelity. Therefore, understanding the detrimental effects of Internet addiction can aid couples in enhancing their overall lifesatisfaction

Keywords

• internet addiction
• impulsive behavior
• boredom
• extramarital relations