The Relationship Between Self-Worth and Marital Infidelity: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Marital infidelity is becoming increasingly common in today's marriages. Prior research identifies numerous factors that may provide impetus for cheating on a spouse. Though self-worth has been included as one of many potential variables in several studies, it has not been examined exclusively. We examined the relationship between self-worth and the occurrence of marital infidelity. Three different data collection methods were employed as part of the pilot study in an attempt to identify the most beneficial method for future data collection efforts. In addition, data were analyzed to test for differences in self-worth levels by gender for those who have and have not cheated.