AN EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION OF ACCOUNTS AND ATTRIBUTIONS FOLLOWING SEXUAL INFIDELITY

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.