ANTICIPATION OF MARITAL DISSOLUTION AS A CONSEQUENCE OF SPOUSAL INFIDELITY

This study examined five sources of spousal and relationship costs tha t might facilitate heightened anticipations of seeking divorce as a co nsequence of spousal infidelity. Three separate data sources were empl oyed. Fist, 214 participants reported their satisfaction with the marr iage and their anticipations of seeking divorce as a consequence of sp ousal infidelity. Second, participants provided information on their s pouse's personality and behaviors their spouse performed that upset th em. Third, couples were interviewed by two interviewers, who subsequen tly provided independent ratings of each participant's personality, ma te value, and attractiveness, as well as ratings of the quality of the couple's interaction. Greater anticipations of divorcing an unfaithfu l spouse were reported by women higher in mate value than their husban ds; women married to emotionally unstable men; men reporting lower mar ital satisfaction; and women in couples displaying greater conflict du ring the interview. Discussion locates results within an evolutionary psychological perspective and addresses methodological issues of this study.