Sexual satisfaction and attitude toward marital infidelity among married people in Iran: the role of social media and entertainment preferences

Abstract

Abstract Background and purpose Sexual satisfaction and attitudes toward marital infidelity are crucial components of marital quality and well-being. This study investigates the impact of social media and entertainment preferences on these aspects among married couples in Iran, acknowledging the sociocultural nuances unique to the region. Method and material A cross-sectional survey design was employed, gathering data from 1,756 married participants through an online questionnaire in Iran. Variables included social media and entertainment preferences, sexual satisfaction, attitude toward marital infidelity, and demographic details. Descriptive statistics, non-parametric tests (Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis test), and GLM (Generalized linear model) were used for exploration. Results Key results reveal significant associations between demographic factors, social media usage, and attitudes toward marital infidelity. Notable trends include higher sexual satisfaction among younger participants (p < 0.05), those with shorter marital durations (p < 0.01), and those residing outside Tehran (p < 0.001). Attitudes toward marital infidelity were influenced by gender, age, ethnicity, income levels, and social media habits, reflecting a complex interplay of factors. The GLM analysis emphasizes the impact of variables such as marital duration, ethnicity, spouse’s education, Iranian social media usage, and attitudes toward marital infidelity on sexual satisfaction. Participants with shorter marriages (p < 0.01), higher spouse education (p < 0.05), and more frequent Iranian social media usage (p < 0.001) reported higher sexual satisfaction. Conclusions This study explores the dynamics of marital relationships in Iran, examining the interconnections between demographics, media habits, sexual satisfaction, and attitudes toward infidelity. The findings provide valuable insights into factors influencing marital satisfaction, emphasizing the importance of considering cultural contexts. Robust statistical methods, including Generalized Linear Models, support the reliability of results. The study contributes to understanding non-western marital dynamics, highlighting implications for research and interventions in the digital age.