Formulation of the Extramarital Relationships Model Based on Early Maladaptive Schemas Mediated by Sensation-seeking in Men

Background and Objective: The existence of extramarital relationships is one of the main causes of family breakdown and divorce. The current study aimed to formulate an extramarital relationship model based on early maladaptive schemas mediated by sensation-seeking in men. Materials and Methods: This descriptive-correlational study was conducted based on structural equation modeling. The statistical population included all men with extramarital relationships visiting a counseling center in the west of Tehran (Hamkadeh) from March to September ۲۰۲۱. The sample for this study included ۲۵۰ men with extramarital relationships within the age range of ۲۸-۴۵ who were selected via the convenience sampling method. Data gathering was carried out using the marital infidelity questionnaire of Yeniceri and Kökdemir (۲۰۰۶), Young's early maladaptive schema questionnaire (۱۹۹۸), and the Zuckerman Sensation-seeking questionnaire (۲۰۰۶). Structural equation modeling was used for data analysis. Results: The results indicated that the assumed research model is fitted over the empirical data (RMSEA=۰.۰۵۶). The coefficient of a direct path between early maladaptive schemas and marital intimacy (β=۰.۲۸) was significant at ۰.۰۵ level. The indirect coefficient of early maladaptive schemas to extramarital relationships through flexibility was significant (P=۰.۰۰۱). Conclusion: The early maladaptive schemas were correlated with extramarital relationships mediated by sensation-seeking. Therefore, it can be stated that the reduction of early maladaptive schemas and sensation-seeking will effectively mitigate extramarital relationships.

Keywords:

Early Maladaptive Schema , Extramarital Relationships , Sensation-seeking