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First published online March 5, 2015

Expectations regarding partner fidelity in dating relationships

Sarah J. Watkins and Susan D. Boon [email protected]View all authors and affiliations

Volume 33, Issue 2

https://doi.org/10.1177/0265407515574463

Abstract

This study investigated the nature of people’s expectations about their dating partners’ fidelity and whether trust, commitment, and disapproval of infidelity predicted their expectations. Individuals (N = 209) in ongoing dating relationships completed measures of trust, commitment, and disapproval of infidelity as well as items assessing their expectations concerning the likelihood their partners had cheated on them or would cheat on them in the future. Consistent with earlier research with married individuals, participants thought it very unlikely—both in an absolute and in a relative sense—their dating partners would engage in extra-dyadic activity. Additionally, greater trust and disapproval of infidelity (but not commitment) predicted increasing faith in partners’ fidelity. We discuss possible personal and relational benefits of optimistic fidelity expectations.

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Published In

Journal of Social and Personal Relationships

Volume 33, Issue 2

Pages: 237 - 256

Article first published online: March 5, 2015

Issue published: March 2016

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Sarah J. Watkins

University of Calgary, Canada

McMaster Children’s Hospital, Canada

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Susan D. Boon

University of Calgary, Canada

[email protected]

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Notes

Susan D. Boon, Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr. NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada. Email: [email protected]

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