Alexithymia and Marital Relationship Quality as Predictors of Infidelity Tendency: A Correlational Study
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Objective: This study aimed to investigate the predictive roles of alexithymia and marital relationship quality in marital infidelity tendency among couples seeking counseling.
Methods and Materials: This applied, correlational study involved 800 participants (400 men, 400 women) who had experienced some form of infidelity (e.g., virtual, emotional, sexual) and were referred to counseling centers in District 22 of Tehran. Participants completed three validated self-report instruments: the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), the Revised Dyadic Adjustment Scale (RDAS), and the Marital Infidelity Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficients and multiple regression analysis via SPSS 22.
Findings: Significant negative correlations were observed between alexithymia and marital infidelity tendency (r= -0.385, p<.001), and between marital relationship quality and infidelity tendency (r= -0.56, p<.05). These findings suggest that higher levels of alexithymia and lower relationship quality are associated with increased risk of infidelity tendencies. However, due to the study’s correlational design, causal inferences cannot be drawn.
Conclusion: The results underscore the relevance of emotional awareness and relational satisfaction in understanding infidelity risk. Clinical interventions aimed at enhancing emotional expression and improving relationship quality may reduce the likelihood of infidelity among distressed couples.
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