Internet infidelity among Iranian users: The role of interpersonal and intrapersonal factors

Background: The emergence of virtual social networks has facilitated a new form of marital infidelity known as internet infidelity.Aims: This study investigated the mediating role of self-esteem in the relationship between self-compassion, relationship maintenance behaviors, and attitudes toward internet infidelity.Methodology: A cross-sectional study using SEM was conducted among ۴۸۱ Iranian married users. The data collection was performed using Internet Infidelity, Relationship Maintenance Strategies, Self-Compassion, and Self-Esteem Questionnaires. SEM was used to examine hypothesized relationships, and the bootstrap in Preacher and Hayes’ Macro program was employed for testing mediation.Findings: SEM analysis revealed that self-compassion and relationship maintenance behaviors had a direct effect on both self-esteem and attitudes toward internet infidelity (P< ۰.۰۰۰۱). However, the hypothesized mediating role of self-esteem was not supported. These findings underscore the significant influence of self-compassion and relationship maintenance behaviors in predicting attitudes toward internet infidelity.Conclusion: Counseling interventions aimed at fostering self-compassion and reinforcing relationship maintenance skills may help reduce the risk of internet infidelity.

کلیدواژه ها:

attitude to internet infidelity ، Iranian users ، relationship maintenance behaviors ، Self-compassion ، self-esteem ، social networks