Betrayal is a common occurrence in human interactions that has been studied extensively in psychology and sociology. It refers to the violation of trust or loyalty between individuals or groups. This study examines how experiences of betrayal impact an individual's openness towards alternative sexual or relational arrangements. Betrayal can lead to various emotions such as anger, resentment, sadness, shame, guilt, fear, anxiety, depression, confusion, jealousy, and mistrust. These feelings are often accompanied by physiological symptoms such as increased heart rate, sweating, muscle tension, and difficulty breathing. The experience of betrayal may alter one's beliefs about relationships, love, intimacy, and trust, leading to changes in their romantic attitudes and behaviors.
The primary research question explored is: How does the experience of betrayal affect openness to alternative sexual or relational arrangements? Specifically, this study seeks to understand whether individuals who have experienced betrayal are more likely to engage in non-monogamous activities such as swinging, polyamory, polygamy, open relationships, and casual sex.
It investigates if previous experiences with infidelity or cheating influence these attitudes. Secondary questions include the role of gender differences in perceptions of monogamy and commitment and the effects of socialization on sexual norms and expectations.
To answer these questions, the study analyzed survey data from a sample of over 1000 individuals from diverse backgrounds. Participants completed a series of self-report measures related to sexual orientation, relationship history, attitudes toward non-monogamy, and experiences of betrayal. Descriptive statistics were used to examine demographic characteristics and mean scores for each variable. Correlational analyses were conducted to identify associations between openness to non-monogamy, past experiences of betrayal, gender, and socialization factors.
Results indicated that those who had experienced betrayal were significantly less likely to be interested in pursuing non-monogamous relationships than those who had not (p <.05).
Women reported lower levels of interest in alternative arrangements than men, regardless of their experiences of betrayal (p <.05). Socialization also played a significant role, with individuals raised in more conservative environments being less receptive to non-monogamy (p <.05).
This study provides important insights into how personal and societal factors shape our attitudes towards sexual and relational arrangements.
How does the experience of betrayal affect openness to alternative sexual or relational arrangements?
Betrayal can have a significant impact on an individual's willingness to engage in alternative sexual or relational arrangements due to the associated feelings of distrust and vulnerability. It may lead to a heightened need for control over one's partner and relationships, which could prevent individuals from exploring new experiences outside their comfort zone.