A recent study published in the Archives of Sexual Behavior has found that individuals with a sense of power in their romantic relationships are more likely to be interested in alternative partners. The research, conducted by Gurit E. Birnbaum and colleagues, suggests that this effect is driven by the perception of having higher mate value than one’s partner.
The study explored the connection between relationship power and expressions of extradyadic desires, a topic previously studied in non-romantic contexts but with limited understanding in romantic relationships. The researchers conducted four studies using different methods to induce feelings of relationship power and measure its effects on interest in alternative partners.
The findings consistently showed that participants who felt more powerful were more likely to express desire for alternative partners. This effect was particularly pronounced among men, suggesting they may be more likely to seek out alternatives when feeling empowered in their relationships.
The study’s results indicate that a sense of relationship power can lead individuals to believe they have better mating opportunities, fueling their interest in alternative partners. However, the research notes one limitation: relying on self-reporting and experimental manipulations may not fully capture the complexity of real-world relationships.
Source: https://www.psypost.org/new-research-sheds-light-on-why-relationship-power-is-linked-to-interest-in-alternative-partners/