The roles of sociosexuality and gender in the relationship between relationship satisfaction and intentions toward infidelity: a moderated mediation model

This research aims to examine how sociosexuality mediates the relationship between relationship satisfaction and intentions towards infidelity. This research was conducted on a sample of 246 participants (61% females and 39% males), all in a romantic relationship, aged between 18 and 43 years old (M = 24.00; SD = 5.87). They filled out questionnaires designed to assess relationship satisfaction, intentions towards infidelity, and sociosexuality. Our findings from the present research indicate that males have higher scores than females in intentions toward infidelity and sociosexuality. Additionally, our study reveals a direct relationship between relationship satisfaction and intentions toward infidelity, as well as the mediating role of sociosexuality in this relationship, which is significant among male participants.The study contributes to a better understanding of the studied variables in the context of individuals in a romantic relationship, as well as to a deeper comprehension of how sociosexuality impacts the dynamics of couple relationships. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications and offer a concrete series of recommendations for psychotherapists and mental health workers.