predicting attitudes toward extramarital relationships based on loneliness, dependence on online social media, and mindfulness in students

Introduction: comprehending the determinants shaping students’ perspectives onextramarital relationships holds significant importance given shifting social norms andthe growing ubiquity of online interactions. this research sought to investigate the extentto which loneliness, dependence on online social media, and mindfulness predict students’attitudes toward extramarital relationships.methods: utilising a descriptive-correlational research design, this study targeted all marriedfemale students enrolled at the islamic azad university of shiraz during the 2024 academicyear. a convenience sample of 259 participants was selected. data were collected using theattitudes toward infidelity scale, ucla loneliness scale, online social media dependencescale, and five-facet mindfulness questionnaire. data were analysed using spss version 26,employing pearson’s correlation and stepwise multiple regression analyses.results: the analysis revealed statistically significant positive correlations between lonelinessand dependence on online social media and attitudes toward extramarital relationships. incontrast, a statistically significant negative correlation was observed between mindfulness andattitudes toward extramarital relationships (p<0.001). collectively, loneliness, dependence ononline social media, and mindfulness explained 45% of the variance in students’ attitudestoward extramarital relationships, with mindfulness emerging as the strongest predictor.conclusion: these findings highlight the complex interplay of psychological and digitalfactors in shaping attitudes toward extramarital relationships among married female students.loneliness and excessive social media use may foster permissive attitudes toward infidelity,whereas mindfulness appears to promote fidelity by enhancing emotional regulation. theseinsights underscore the potential for mindfulness-based strategies to strengthen maritalcommitment and inform future research into relational dynamics in academic settings.