ABSTRACT
Researchers have amassed a significant body of research examining individual predictors of infidelity, such as personality traits and attachment styles. One of the individual characteristics most commonly linked with infidelity is sociosexuality. Sociosexuality is defined as the degree to which a person is willing (or unwilling) to engage in sexual activities outside a committed romantic relationship. Those higher on sociosexuality (also termed an unrestricted sociosexual orientation) engage in infidelity at higher rates, are more willing to engage in infidelity, and report greater intentions to engage in infidelity. In this chapter, we conceptualize sociosexuality and review the research linking sociosexuality to infidelity attitudes, motivations, reactions, and behaviors. Next, we discuss the role of relationship characteristics in moderating and mediating the association between infidelity and sociosexuality. Finally, we offer clinical recommendations for practitioners working with individuals, couples, and families.
