Designing a Prediction Model of Marital Infidelity Based on Adjustment and Sexual Satisfaction with the Mediating Role of Cognitive Flexibility in Couples

Relationships between spouses are one of the most fundamental determinants of healthy and dynamic family functioning. Poor sexual compatibility and satisfaction can be the basis for marital infidelity. The present study was conducted with the aim of designing a prediction model of marital infidelity based on adjustment and sexual satisfaction with the mediating role of cognitive flexibility in couples.

The present research was carried out by descriptive-correlation method. The statistical population included all couples with at least one experience of infidelity in virtual form, SMS or phone call and sexual intercourse in Khoy city in the first six months of 2022. Sampling was calculated according to the rule of 20 items per 24 variables, and 480 people were selected using convenience sampling method. In order to collect data from demographic questionnaire, "Infidelity Questionnaire", "Adjustment Inventory", "Index of Sexual Satisfaction" and "Cognitive Flexibility Inventory" was used. The validity of the instruments used in the current research was not measured and it was limited to the previous researches. But the reliability of the internal consistency method by calculating the Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Data analysis was done in SPSS. 27 and Amos. 24.

The research model fits the collected data (RMSEA=0.054). There was a negative and significant correlation between adjustment (+0.30) and sexual satisfaction (-0.40) with marital infidelity (P<0.001). A positive and significant correlation was observed between adjustment (+0.29) and sexual satisfaction (+0.44) with cognitive flexibility (P<0.001). Due to the non-significance of indirect coefficients, the mediating role of cognitive flexibility in the relationship between adjustment and sexual satisfaction with marital infidelity was not confirmed.

Adjustment and sexual satisfaction are correlated with the reduction of marital infidelity. Therefore, it is suggested to hold educational workshops in order to flourish marital relations and create emotional and sexual intimacy, adjustment and cognitive flexibility development.