The Relationship between Religious Orientation and Sexual Self-Efficacy with Infidelity: The Mediating Role of Attachment

The aim of this study was to investigate the mediating role of attachment styles in the relationship between religious orientation and sexual self-efficacy with infidelity in married women. This research was a descriptive-correlational study. The statistical population consisted of married female students of universities and married women referring to health centers in Mashhad in 2019. From this population, 311 people were selected as the research sample using convenience sampling method. To collect data, Marital Infidelity Scale, Religious Orientation Scale, Sexual Self-Efficacy Scale for Females and Adult Attachment Style Questionnaire were used. The data were analyzed using the structural equation modeling. The results of the fitted model confirmed the mediating role of (secure and avoidant) attachment styles in the relationship between religious orientation and sexual self-efficacy with infidelity. Based on the findings of the present study, it is concluded that considering the individual’s initial experiences in the original family is important. Relying on the findings of this study, therapists and family counselors can provide effective measures to prevent or reduce marital infidelity.