Are There Religious Variations in Marital Infidelity?

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Citation

Burdette, Amy M.; Ellison, Christopher G.; Sherkat, Darren E.; & Gore, Kurt A. (2007). Are There Religious Variations in Marital Infidelity?. Journal of Family Issues, 28(12), 1553-1581.

Abstract

Although previous scholarship has examined the relationship between religious involvement and a wide range of family outcomes, the relationship between religion and extramarital sexual behavior remains understudied. The authors investigate how religious affiliation, participation, and biblical beliefs explain differences in self-reported marital infidelity. This study examines data from the 1991-2004 General Social Surveys and finds that religious factors are associated with the likelihood of marital infidelity. Both church attendance and biblical beliefs are associated with lower odds of self-reported infidelity. Additionally, the authors find substantial denominational variations in the odds of marital infidelity, particularly among those who strongly affiliate with their religious group.

URL

http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0192513X07304269

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year Published

2007

Journal Title

Journal of Family Issues

Author(s)

Burdette, Amy M.
Ellison, Christopher G.
Sherkat, Darren E.
Gore, Kurt A.