Sex differences in response to sexual versus emotional infidelity: The moderating role of individual differences

Numerous studies indicate that men (compared to women) tend to display relatively greater distress in response to sexual infidelity, whereas women (compared to men) tend to display relatively greater distress in response to emotional infidelity. The current research builds upon this literature by examining the role individual differences in chronic jealousy play in moderating these sex differences. Findings demonstrate that sex differences in responses to sexual versus emotional infidelity are substantially greater among individuals high in chronic jealousy – individuals who frequently tend to worry about potential relationship threats – than among individuals low in chronic jealousy. This research highlights the importance of integrating a focus on individual differences with evolutionary theories of social cognition.