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

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

• internet pornography
• marital infidelity
• marital quality