Locating the Model of Structural Equation of the Effect of Psychological Flexibility on Tendency to Extramarital Affairs with the Role of Ego Powerfulness as a Mediator in Couples

This study aims to explain the effect of psychological flexibility on the tendency to extramarital relationships with the role of ego powerfulness as a mediator in couples. The current research was based on a correlational research and locating the model of structural equation type. The statistical population in this research included couples in Birjand. The sampling method was the accessible type and the number of samples included 192 couples (384 individuals). Questionnaires applied for collecting data from the sample groups included: Whatley's Extramarital Affairs Attitude Questionnaire (2006); Dennis and Vander Wal Questionnaire of Cognitive Flexibility (2010); Besharat Ego Powerfulness Scale (2016). Structural equation model (SEM) was used for statistical analysis of the collected data. According to the findings, the direct effect of psychological flexibility on the tendency to extramarital affairs, the direct effect of psychological flexibility on ego powerfulness, and the direct effect of ego powerfulness on tendency to extramarital affairs were confirmed. In addition, the indirect effect of the psychological flexibility variable through ego powerfulness on the tendency to extramarital affairs has been confirmed (P<0.01). Therefore, psychological flexibility and ego powerfulness have many practical implications in the research fields, etiology, and treatment of extramarital affairs.