Emotional dependency and sweethearting in The Bahamas (II): Sexual promiscuity among unmarried persons
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15362/ijbs.v31i2.643Keywords:
Sweethearting, Interpersonal relationships, InfidelityAbstract
This paper examines the relationship between emotional dependency and sweethearting or infidelity among single adults in The Bahamas. Using data from an internet-based survey of 1,571 single men and 4,640 single women currently in intimate partner relationships, the article explores the number and nature of sexual relationships over the six months prior to the study. Respondents who had multiple sexual partners reported higher levels of emotional dependency (M = 35.3, SE = .54) than those with one partner (M = 29.3, SE = .32). Where respondents had multiple partners in the previous six months, information was collected on partners other than their primary partner. In the study, having multiple partners was associated with elevated emotional dependency. Respondents with elevated emotional dependency levels were more likely to report being victims or perpetrators or sexual abuse within their relationships. These findings highlight important psychosocial dynamics within non-marital romantic relationships in the Bahamian context.
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