Ain't misbehavin? Monogamy maintenance strategies in heterosexual romantic relationships

Bibliographic Data

ID2290065
AuthorsBrenda H Lee (0000-0001-6168-0554, Department of Psychology University of New Brunswick Fredericton Canada, corresponding author), Lucia F O’sulliban (0000-0003-0124-6267, University of New Brunswick), Lucia F O'Sullivan (Department of Psychology University of New Brunswick Fredericton Canada)
Year2018
Volume25
Issue2
Pages205-232
Publication date2018-06-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenuePersonal Relationships (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1350-4126 • E-ISSN: 1475-6811
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/pere.12235
OpenAlexW2800324913
LanguageEN
Citations received8
References cited51

Monogamy is a near universal expectation in intimate relationships in Western societies and is typically defined as sexual and romantic exclusivity to one partner. This research informs the paradox between monogamy intentions and high rates of infidelity. Monogamy maintenance (MM) strategies used in response to relationship threats posed by attraction to extradyadic others were identified and characterized. Across three samples, 741 U.S. adults in intimate relationships completed surveys addressing MM. Twenty-four strategies emerged in three factors-Proactive Avoidance (of attractive alternatives), Relationship Enhancement, and Low Self-Monitoring and Derogation (in the face of extradyadic attraction). All MM factors were commonly endorsed, yet were largely unsuccessful at forestalling infidelity

Attraction · Derogation · Developmental psychology · Human sexuality · Psychoanalysis · Relationship maintenance · Romance · Sexual attraction · Sexual behavior · Sexual relationship · Sociology · Evolutionary Psychology and Human Behavior · Gender Studies · Marriage and Sexual Relationships · Psychology · Sexuality, Behavior, and Technology · Social Psychology

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