Internet Infidelity among Iranian Users: The Role of Interpersonal and Intrapersonal Factors

Ahmadzadeh, Javad; Soleimanian, Aliakbar; Rahimi Pordanjani, Tayebe

doi:10.22059/jcss.2025.397028.1171

Internet Infidelity among Iranian Users: The Role of Interpersonal and Intrapersonal Factors

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original article

Authors

¹ Department of Counseling, Faculty of Humanities, University of Bojnord, Bojnord, Iran.

² Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities, University of Bojnord, Bojnord, Iran.

10.22059/jcss.2025.397028.1171

Abstract

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 481 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< 0.0001). 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.

Keywords

Main Subjects

psychology

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