Marriage remains an essential institution in contemporary society, yet it has undergone significant changes over time, particularly regarding durability and partners' adherence to marital vows. A recent study in Nigeria examined whether two psychological factors, emotional intelligence and narcissistic personality traits, could predict marital infidelity among couples married for up to five years.
Understanding the Research Focus
Infidelity represents a breach of trust in committed relationships, manifesting as unreliability and cheating despite an agreement of exclusivity. What constitutes infidelity varies across cultures and depends on the specific dynamics of each relationship. Research suggests that infidelity occurs in 20% to 40% of marriages, indicating a significant number of people affected by unfaithfulness.
The study focused on two psychological characteristics that might influence whether someone engages in marital infidelity. Emotional intelligence refers to the capacity to recognize, manage, and appraise emotions, both in oneself and others. It encompasses four primary abilities: perceiving and expressing emotions, using emotions to enhance thinking, understanding emotions, and regulating emotions.
Narcissism, characterized by excessive focus on oneself, inflated self importance, and lack of empathy, represents the other focus. Research has consistently demonstrated that individuals with narcissistic traits are more inclined to engage in extramarital affairs. These individuals often prioritize sexual relationships outside their committed partnerships and hold permissive attitudes toward casual encounters.
The Study's Approach
Researchers surveyed 200 married couples from Makurdi, Nigeria, who had been married for up to five years. The sample consisted of slightly more women than men, with an average age in the late twenties. Participants represented various ethnic and religious backgrounds, creating a diverse sample that reflected the local population.
The research team used established psychological scales to measure emotional intelligence, narcissistic personality traits, and marital infidelity. The cross sectional design allowed researchers to gather data at a specific point in time and examine relationships between these variables.
Key Findings
The research revealed three significant findings. First, emotional intelligence significantly predicted marital infidelity among the couples studied. This relationship accounted for about 5% of the variance in infidelity behaviors. The finding was somewhat surprising because previous research has typically shown that higher emotional intelligence correlates with greater marital satisfaction.
However, the connection between emotional intelligence and infidelity may operate differently than its relationship with satisfaction. Low emotional intelligence may hinder someone's ability to understand and respond to their partner's emotional needs, potentially leading to dissatisfaction and vulnerability to infidelity.
Second, narcissistic personality traits significantly predicted marital infidelity, accounting for about 17% of the variance. This finding aligns with existing research showing that narcissistic individuals often prioritize their own desires over their partner's feelings. Their self centered nature, permissiveness toward casual encounters, low empathy, and lack of commitment collectively heighten the risk of engaging in extramarital affairs.
Narcissistic individuals often exhibit high levels of exploitativeness and low empathy. This combination may lead them to be more deceptive in seeking alternative partners, prioritizing their own desires above their partner's emotional wellbeing. Furthermore, narcissism is associated with lack of commitment to relationships, which increases the likelihood of infidelity.
Third, when emotional intelligence and narcissistic personality traits were examined together, they jointly predicted marital infidelity, accounting for nearly 19% of the variance. This suggests that both factors contribute independently to infidelity risk, and their combined influence provides a more complete picture than either factor alone.
Theoretical Context
The findings can be understood through two theoretical frameworks. Attachment theory suggests that early experiences with caregivers shape attachment styles that influence adult relationships. Individuals with insecure attachment styles may be more likely to seek emotional fulfillment outside their marriage. Emotional intelligence and narcissistic traits could interact with attachment styles, influencing how people navigate relationships and their vulnerabilities to infidelity.
Social exchange theory posits that people engage in relationships based on cost benefit analysis, seeking to maximize rewards and minimize costs. In this framework, individuals might weigh potential benefits of extramarital affairs, such as excitement or emotional fulfillment, against perceived costs like guilt or relationship dissolution. Emotional intelligence may influence how effectively people assess these costs and benefits, while narcissistic traits may skew perceptions in favor of personal gratification.
The Connection Between the Two Factors
There appears to be a parallel between emotional intelligence and narcissism that may influence marital infidelity. Both involve empathy, though in different ways. Low emotional intelligence may limit someone's ability to understand their partner's emotional needs. Similarly, narcissistic individuals may disregard their partner's emotions while prioritizing their own desires.
Despite these connections, emotional intelligence encompasses a broader spectrum of skills, including emotional awareness and effective communication, while narcissism is primarily characterized by self centeredness. The shared deficiency in empathy may help explain how these factors intersect to influence infidelity.
Practical Implications
The research offers several practical recommendations. For couples, improving communication skills and understanding of each other's emotions is vital. Effective communication can help navigate conflicts and challenges more constructively. Couples should also reflect on their behaviors and tendencies, especially regarding narcissistic traits, as self awareness can foster healthier relationships.
Marriage institutions can offer comprehensive premarital counseling programs that include discussions on emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, and relationship expectations. These programs can better prepare couples for challenges they may face. Support services for couples experiencing marital difficulties, including counseling tailored to address issues related to emotional intelligence and narcissistic traits, can also help.
At a societal level, allocating resources to support initiatives promoting healthy relationships and reducing marital discord becomes important. This could include funding for relationship education programs and mental health services. Policies that protect individuals from emotional abuse or manipulation within relationships may also address issues related to narcissistic behaviors.
Cultural Context
This study took place in a specific cultural context in Nigeria, where marriage is viewed as an essential life commitment across numerous cultures. Traditional views hold marriage as a lifelong union, with implicit expectations of faithfulness. Understanding how psychological factors influence infidelity within this context provides valuable insights for both local practitioners and broader relationship research.
The diversity of the sample, including various ethnic groups and educational backgrounds, strengthens the findings. However, cultural variations in what constitutes infidelity and relationship expectations should be considered when interpreting results.
Further research is needed to deepen understanding of the dynamics between emotional intelligence, narcissism, and marital infidelity. Future studies should explore potential interventions and strategies for prevention. Collaboration between researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to develop evidence based interventions promoting healthy relationships and reducing infidelity prevalence remains crucial.
The findings underscore that successful intimate relationships require strong communication skills, attentiveness to one's partner's perspective, empathetic understanding of their experiences, and sensitivity to their needs. While educational intelligence alone may not ensure marital success, emotional intelligence appears vital for fostering healthy relationships.
This research adds to growing evidence that personality traits and emotional capabilities play significant roles in relationship outcomes. By understanding these factors, couples, counselors, and institutions can work toward strengthening marriages and reducing the prevalence of infidelity.
Ajala, B. S., Ehondor, E. G., Atunwa, S. A., & Uye, E. E. Explaining Marital Infidelity among Married Women using Personality Traits and Financial Well-being.
