The mediating role of marital conflict in the relationship between the inclination towards using social networks and the propensity for divorce and infidelity

Subject Areas :

Sahar Vaghefi ¹ , Saeid Jahanian ²

1 - Master Student of psychology, Department of psychology, Islamic Azad University, South Tehran Branch, Tehran, Iran.
2 - Assistant Professor, Department of psychology, Islamic Azad University, South Tehran Branch, Tehran, Iran (Corresponding Author)

Received: 2024-09-23 Accepted : 2024-06-22 Published : 2024-09-21

Keywords: Keywords: Marital conflict, social network usage, divorce propensity, infidelity tendency,

Abstract :

This study investigates the mediating role of marital conflict in the association between the propensity to use social networks and the inclination towards divorce and infidelity. Conducted as a correlational research project, the study's population comprised married individuals seeking counseling and psychological services in district 8 of Tehran during the spring of 1402. Utilizing Klein's formula, a sample of 250 participants was selected through convenience sampling. Data collection employed Roosevelt Johnson and Morrow (1986) Divorce Tendency Questionnaire, Watley's Infidelity Attitude Questionnaire (2008), the Social Network Use Questionnaire, and Sanai, Zakir et al.'s Marital Conflicts Questionnaire (2007). Findings indicate that marital conflict serves as a mediator between the inclination to use social networks and the tendency towards divorce and infidelity. Furthermore, the exogenous variable of social network usage demonstrates a significant direct impact on the endogenous variable of infidelity propensity (β = 0.352) and an indirect effect mediated by marital conflicts (β = 0.193). Additionally, while social network usage does not directly affect divorce propensity, it exerts an indirect influence (β = 0.109) mediated by marital conflicts. Results underscore the significant impact of social network usage on marital conflicts, as well as the consequential effects of marital conflicts on divorce and infidelity tendencies. The study confirms the hypothesized mediating role of marital conflict in the relationship between social network usage and divorce and infidelity tendencies.

References:

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