AN EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION OF ACCOUNTS AND ATTRIBUTIONS FOLLOWING SEXUAL INFIDELITY

Citation
Pa. Mongeau et al., AN EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION OF ACCOUNTS AND ATTRIBUTIONS FOLLOWING SEXUAL INFIDELITY, Communication monographs, 61(4), 1994, pp. 326-344
Citations number
38
Categorie Soggetti
Communication
Journal title
ISSN journal
03637751
Volume
61
Issue
4
Year of publication
1994
Pages
326 - 344
Database
ISI
SICI code
0363-7751(1994)61:4<326:AEIOAA>2.0.ZU;2-O
Abstract
This study experimentally investigated accounts and attributions follo wing sexual infidelity. Hypotheses predicted that differences in the i nfidelity (i.e., intent and revenge) would influence attributions abou t, and accounts generated to explain, the infidelity. Specific predict ions also linked account production to attribution patterns. Students read a scenario that described a sexual infidelity performed by either a male or female, either intentionally or unintentionally, and being either revenge-driven or not driven by revenge. Results indicate that revenge had a strong impact on attributions and accounts, whereas inte nt only inversely influenced the production of guilt. Relationships be tween accounts and attributions were consistent with predictions; howe ver, the account category of silence reflected strong levels of respon sibility, blame, and guilt yet was interpreted as quite aggravating. C onsistent with traditional and modern sexual double standards, finding s indicated sex differences in both accounts and attributions.