ABOUT THE PROJECT:
This study offers to provide coherent and organized view on the reasons behind the act of cheating on primary relationship and investigates distinct rationalization, justification, attribution process behind involvement in Internet Infidelity that will inform both clinicians and researchers in the field. It examines current law of adultery and questions whether law should be expanded to include online infidelity and offers a proposal for legislators & decision makers in Indian context. Finally, the study offers recommendations and directions for the future research on online infidelity, divorce and separation studies in India.
FACULTY MEMBERS INVOLVED IN THE PROJECT:
- Professor (Dr.) Sanjeev P. Sahni, Founder & Principal Director, JIBS
- Ms. Garima Jain, Assistant Director (Research), JIBS
FUNDS RECEIVED/ SANCTIONED: Rs. 5,00,000/-
SOURCE OF FUNDING: JGU Research Grant Committee
DURATION OF THE PROJECT: 1 year 3 months
OUTPUT OF THE RESEARCH:
The data for this exploratory study is collected through random and convenience sample (n= 14,789), using a combination of online and offline methods and disseminated to the social contacts of the authors. An anonymous self- administrated survey was formulated comprising of 14 items.
Study attempted to redress the question by comparing attributions, perception and attitude towards online acts of infidelity of the two set of participants: Perpetrators and Non-Perpetrators of Online Infidelity. A factor analysis was carried out that yielded two components: Dispositional factors (which included 3 sub- factors: (a.) Strong Moral Values, (b.) Religious Principles, (c.) Not wanting to cheat on one’s partner) and Situational factors (which also included 3 sub- factors: (a.) Fear of being caught, (b.) Lack of knowledge, (c.) Internet Inaccessibility.
Study further investigates the reasons of perpetrators (married and in a committed relationship) behind involvement in “Internet Infidelity”. Findings demonstrated significantly different reasons behind involvement in extra dyadic online relationship between respondents who are married (Emotional Support, Frustration, Boredom) and in a Relationship (Peer Pressure, Desire to Explore). The potential implication of cyberspace addiction and infidelity on intimate partner violence (physical and psychological abuse), divorce, marital discord, mental health related issues and neglect of best parenting practices is also studied.
DEVELOPMENTS RELATED TO THE PROJECT:
- A paper proposal is submitted for review on ‘Ethical consideration on death penalty’ to Societas Ethica ’s 53rd Annual Conference, Bad Boll, Stuttgart, Germany (18th- 21st August 2016).• An edited volume on "Internet Infidelity: An Interdisciplinary Insight in a Global Context" has been published by Springer Nature in 2018. Editors are Dr Sanjeev P. Sahni and Garima Jain.
- Three book chapters related to the findings of the projects are published in the edited volume in Springer.
- Research papers related to the findings of Internet Infidelity were presented in UN Congress, Stockholm, Spain, Istanbul and Pretoria.