The structural model of the mediating role of sexual self-efficacy in the relationship between body appreciation and body image inflexibility with attitudes toward infidelity among employed women

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 M.A. in Clinical Psychology, Department of Psychology, Ashtian Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ashtian, Iran.

2 M.A. in Personality Psychology, Department of Psychology, Ashtian Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ashtian, Iran.

3 M.A. in Clinical Psychology, Department of Psychology, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran.

4 M.A. in Clinical Psychology, Department of Psychology, Arak Branch, Islamic Azad University, Arak, Iran.

10.22111/ijop.2026.55543.1087

Abstract

The present study aimed to determine the fit of a structural model examining the mediating role of sexual self-efficacy in the relationship between body appreciation and body image inflexibility with attitudes toward infidelity among employed women. In terms of purpose, the study was applied, and in terms of nature, it was descriptive-correlational. The statistical population comprised all employed women in Markazi Province in 2025, from whom 270 participants were selected through convenience sampling. Research instruments included the Attitudes Toward Infidelity Scale (Knox & Schacht, 2015), the Body Image Psychological Inflexibility Scale (Callaghan et al., 2015), the Body Appreciation Scale (Avalos et al., 2005), and the Sexual Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (Vaziri & Lotfi Kashani, 2013). Data were analyzed using path analysis. The results indicated that attitudes toward infidelity were predicted by psychological inflexibility related to body image among married women (P=.010, β=.282), whereas body appreciation did not predict attitudes toward infidelity (P=.304, β=−.061). Sexual self-efficacy significantly predicted attitudes toward infidelity (P=.010, β=−.297). Moreover, attitudes toward infidelity were predicted by psychological inflexibility of body image (P=.038, β=−.038) and body appreciation (P=.010, β=−.090) through the mediating role of sexual self-efficacy among married women. These findings highlight the importance of psychological interventions focused on body image and sexual empowerment. Counseling centers can, by promoting acceptance and commitment-based approaches to reduce body image inflexibility and by providing training protocols on sexual self-efficacy, create the necessary cognitive-behavioral foundation for preventing the tendency toward infidelity and strengthening marital stability in women

Keywords

References

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Iranian Journal of Organizational psychology
Volume 3, Issue 3
September 2026
Pages 11-20

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