Revenge Sex: Weaponizing Infidelity

Abstract

Given that infidelity has been consistently cited as one of the primary reasons for relationship dissolution throughout most of the world, this study explored its relationship to (a) revenge sex, (b) Sternberg’s triangular theory of love, and (c) inherent power dynamics within intimate and romantic relationships. Data gleaned from Wave IV of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health) measured a subsample of 1912 participants who reported being married and living together. Hierarchical logistic regression analyses indicated that the constructs of passion and intimacy negligibly accounted for any relationship to infidelity, but that the construct of commitment accounted for 17.4% of the variance regarding infidelity.  Finally, the construct of revenge sex, which evaluated if an individual believed that his/her partner committed infidelity accounted for an additional 10.4% of the variance explained. The decision to be unfaithful is solely an individualistic quality in which zero culpability should be directed toward one’s partner, as having more sex and developing a deeper bond with one’s partner did not serve as a deterrent for infidelity.  Furthermore, individuals who perceive their partner may have cheated on them are statistically significantly more likely to engage in revenge sex.