Commitment and Infidelity: How Do They Relate Across Two Different Cultures?
Date
2024-09-03
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Abstract
This research aimed to investigate a novel mechanism that could explain how commitment predicts infidelity across diverse cultural contexts. I examined transformation of motivation—a shift from self-centered to relationship- and partner-oriented interests—as a potential mediator. The objectives of Studies 1 and 2 were to explore whether commitment leads to transformation of motivation (Study 1; N = 71) and whether priming transformation of motivation influences monogamy maintenance efforts (Study 2; N = 104). I collected data from undergraduate samples for both studies. The attempt to prime commitment in Study 1 failed, underscoring the need for valid and reliable manipulations given the importance of commitment in interdependence theory. In Study 2, priming transformation of motivation did not impact monogamy maintenance efforts, suggesting that transformation of motivation may not the primary factor driving monogamy maintenance efforts, and other processes, such as cognitive dissonance, may be more influential. In Study 3, using a social media sample, I examined commitment, transformation of motivation, infidelity, and their associations across two cultures: Iran and Canada (N = 142 in Iran; N = 153 in Canada). Satisfaction was the primary predictor of global commitment, and structural commitment, specifically social pressure, was higher in Iran than in Canada. The results comparing markers of transformation of motivation (e.g., willingness to sacrifice, accommodative behaviours, and cognitive interdependence) across cultural samples were inconsistent. Iranian participants reported higher levels of destructive accommodation strategies, such as exit and neglect, but also a greater willingness to sacrifice compared to Canadians. These findings suggest that the hypothesized markers of transformation of motivation do not form a unidimensional construct and may be shaped by distinct cultural factors. Regarding infidelity, Iranian participants reported lower rates of emotional infidelity than Canadians, with no significant differences found for other types of infidelity. The findings have important implications for refining theory concerning transformation of motivation and for developing a more culturally sensitive understanding of commitment—one that extends beyond individual factors to consider the influence of social processes on relationship stability.
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commitment, infidelity, monogamy maintenance, transformation of motivation, accommodation, willingness to sacrifice, interdependence theory, culture, collectivism-individualism
Citation
Salavati, S. (2024). Commitment and infidelity: how do they relate across two different cultures? (Doctoral thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca.