Abstract
A model was constructed and used to generate hypotheses regarding situational determinants, motives, and restraints affecting extramarital decision-making. Statistically significant differences between males and females were found on factors influencing extramarital sexual relationships. It was concluded that men have a greater expectation of personal involvement, are strongly influenced by perceived payoffs, and are more likely to respond to what they regard as justifications for their behavior. Women are more responsive to risks which they see as more likely to occur and to be more destructive. Avoiding hurt for themselves and others is an important consideration. Counseling implications are discussed.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Athanasiou, R., & Sarkin, R. (1974). Premarital sexual behavior and postmarital adjustment.Archives of Sexual Behavior, 3, 207–225.
Atwater, L. (1982).The Extramarital Connection. New York: Irvington.
Buunk, B. (1980). Extramarital sex in the Netherlands: Motivation in social and marital context.Alternative Lifestyles, 3, 11–39.
D'Augelli, J. F., & D'Augelli, A. R. (1979). Sexual involvement and relationship development: A cognitive developmental approach. In R. L. Burgess & T. L. Huston (Eds.),Social Exchange in Developing Relationships. New York: Academic Press.
Edwards, J. N. (1973). Extramarital involvement: Fact and theory.The Journal of Sex Research, 9, 210–224.
Edwards, J. N., & Booth, A. (1976). Sexual behavior in and out of marriage: An assessment of correlates.Journal of Marriage and the Family, 38, 73–81.
Fishbein, M., & Ajzen, I. (1975).Belief, attitude, intention and behavior: An introduction to theory and research. Reading, MA: Addison-Wesley.
Glass, S. P., & Wright, T. L. (1977). The relationship of extramarital sex, length of marriage and sex differences on marital satisfaction and romanticism: Athanasiou's data reanalyzed.Journal of Marriage and the Family, 39, 691–703.
Glenn, N. D., & Weaver, N. (1979). Attitudes toward premarital, extramarital and homosexual relations in the U. S. in the 1970's.The Journal of Sex Research, 15, 108–119.
Green, B. L., Lee, R. R., & Lustig, N. (1974). Conscious and unconscious factors in marital infidelity.Medical Aspects of Human Sexuality, 8, 87–105.
Hite, S. (1981).The Hite Report on Male Sexuality. New York: Alfred A. Knopf.
Hunt, M. (1974).Sexual Behavior in the 70's. Chicago: Playboy Press.
Johnson, R. E. (1970a). Extramarital sexual intercourse: A methodological note.Journal of Marriage and the Family, 32, 279–282.
Johnson, R. E. (1970b). Some correlates of extramarital coitus.Journal of Marriage and the Family, 32, 449–456.
Kahneman, D., & Tversky, A. (1985). Choices, values, and frames.American Psychologist, 39, 341–350.
Kinsey, A. C., Pomeroy, W. B., & Martin, C. E. (1948).Sexual Behavior in the Human Male. Philadelphia: W. B. Saunders.
Kinsey, A. C., Pomeroy, W. B., Martin, C. E., & Gebbhard, P. H. (1953).Sexual Behavior in the Human Female. Philadelphia: W. B. Saunders.
Klemmack, D. L., & Roff, L. L. (1980). Heterosexual alternatives to marriage: Appropriateness for older persons.Alternative Lifestyles, 3, 137–148.
Lee, W. (1971).Decision Theory and Human Behavior. New York: Wiley.
Maykovich, M. K. (1976). Attitudes versus behavior in extramarital sexual relations.Journal of Marriage and the Family, 38, 693–699.
McGinnis, T. (1981).More Than Just a Friend. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall.
Nass, G. D., Lib;by, R. W., & Fisher, M. P. (1981).Sexual Choices. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.
Neubeck, G. (1969). The dimensions of the “extra” in extramarital relations. In G. Neubeck (Ed.),Extramarital Relations. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall.
Neubeck, G. & Schletzer, V. M. (1962). A study of extramarital relationships.Journal of Marriage and the Family, 24, 279–281.
Pietropinto, A., & Simenauer, J. (1977).Beyond the Male Myth. New York: Times Books.
Raiffa, H. (1968).Decision Analysis: Introductory Lectures on Choices Under Uncertainty. Reading, MA: Addison-Wesley.
Ramey, J. W. (1977). Alternative lifestyles.Society, 14, 43–47.
Sprenkle, D. H., & Weis, D. L. (1978). Extramarital sexuality: Implications for marital therapists.Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy, 4, 279–291.
Thompson, A. P. (1983). Extramarital sex: A review of the research literature.The Journal of Sex Research, 19, 1–22.
Weis, D. L., & Slosnerick, M. (1981). Attitudes toward sexual and nonsexual extramarital involvements among a sample of college students.Journal of Marriage and the Family, 43, 349–358.
Whitehurst, R. N. (1969). Extramarital sex: Alienation or extension of normal behavior. In G. Neubeck (Ed.),Extramarital Relations. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall.
Wolfe, L. (1980). The sexual profile of that Cosmopolitan girl.Cosmopolitan, September, 254–265.
Yablonsky, L. (1979).The Extra-sex Factor: Why Over Half of America's Married Men Play Around. New York: Times Books.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Meyering, R.A., Epling-McWherter, E.A. Decision-making in extramarital relationships. J Fam Econ Iss 8, 115–129 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01553342
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01553342