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.

Acknowledgements

The authors have no acknowledgements. The authors receive no financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1. Sean Jefferson studied Kinesiology and Family Studies at Kansas State University, received his doctoral degree (PhD) in Educational Psychology from the University of North Texas, and is currently an Assistant Professor at California State University Northridge. Monica Padilla Vega studied Family and Consumer Sciences at California State University Northridge. She is currently working as a liaison for a non-profit organization in Los Angeles that serves individuals who are economically disadvantaged. Kimmery Newsom studied psychology at Kansas State University, where she also received a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy, in addition to a doctoral degree (PhD) in Family Studies. She has been working with individuals and couples for over 18 years as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Sean G. Jefferson

Sean G. Jefferson studied Kinesiology and Family Studies at Kansas State University, received his doctoral degree (PhD) in Educational Psychology from the University of North Texas, and is currently an Assistant Professor at California State University Northridge.

Monica Padilla Vega

Monica Padilla Vega studied Family and Consumer Sciences at California State University Northridge. She is currently working as a liaison for a non-profit organization in Los Angeles that serves individuals who are economically disadvantaged.

Kimmery Newsom

Kimmery Newsom studied psychology at Kansas State University, where she also received a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy, in addition to a doctoral degree (PhD) in Family Studies. She has been working with individuals and couples for over 18 years as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.