Causal modeling of vulnerability of extramarital relationships based on emotional schemas mediated by sexual function

An extramarital affair is a traumatic event that can jeopardize a couple's married life. Therefore, the present study was performed to provide a causal modeling of the vulnerability of extramarital relationships based on emotional schemas mediated by sexual function. The statistical population in this study was all married women in Tabriz in 1399 who had been married for about 1-10 years. To select a sample from the mentioned population, a sample of at least 384 people was selected by purposive sampling method. Research data were collected using questionnaires on vulnerability of extramarital relationships, female sexual function index and emotional schemas. All analyzes were performed using Smart PLS software version 3. Findings showed that the path coefficient and t-statistic related to the effect of "emotional schemas" on "vulnerability of extramarital relationships" are equal to 0.025 and 1.531, respectively. Because the value of t is less than 1.96; therefore, at a significance level of 0.05, emotional schema has no direct effect on the vulnerability of extramarital relationships. It is also observed that the path coefficient and t-statistic related to the effect of "sexual function" on "vulnerability of extramarital affairs" are -0.249 and 8.240, respectivelyAs the absolute value of t is greater than 2.58; therefore, at a significance level of 0.01, sexual function has a direct effect on the vulnerability of extramarital affairs. Undoubtedly, recognizing and examining the roots of extramarital affairs and planning to prevent and reduce and eliminate the underlying factors, will guide the society in order to improve the level of health, maintain social order and balance.