The Impact of Obsessive-Compulsive Relationship Symptoms on Marital Instability: Mediating Role of Infidelity Tendency

Abstract

The present study aimed to investigate the mediating role of infidelity tendencies in the relationship between relationship-focused obsessive-compulsive symptoms and marital instability. A total of 227 (Female = 155, Male = 72) married individuals participated and completed measures assessing relationship-focused obsessive-compulsive symptoms (including relationship-related and partner-related obsessions), infidelity tendencies, and marital instability. Using structural equation modeling with SmartPLS, results indicated that relationship-related and partner-related obsessions were positively associated with infidelity tendencies. In turn, infidelity tendencies significantly predicted marital instability. Mediation analyses also revealed that infidelity tendencies were the main pathway through which obsessions about relationships and partners caused a higher level of marital instability. These findings show the psychological processes linking obsessive relational concerns to the risk of infidelity and marital disruption. The clinical implications of this study suggest the need for working with obsessive relational dynamics and infidelity risk factors in couples and family therapy.