Type
Summary
Despite perceptions that infidelity is common among military and veteran
populations, there is relatively little evidence documenting the prevalence
of extramarital sex among persons with a history of military service or its
consequences for marital stability. Using data from the 1992 National Health
and Social Life Survey, we estimate multivariate logistic regression models
to examine the associations between veteran status, extramarital sex, and
divorce among ever-married persons aged 18 to 60 years. We also conduct
supplemental analyses of gender differences. We find that 32.17% of veterans
report extramarital sexual relationships, which is twice the rate among
nonveterans in this sample. Controlling for sociodemographic and early-life
factors, veterans are significantly more likely than nonveterans to report
extramarital sex and to have ever divorced, whereas extramarital sex has a
strong, independent association with divorce. We conclude that veteran status
is strongly associated with extramarital sex and divorce, at least among
men; extramarital sex and divorce might also be elevated among female veterans,
but research that uses larger, representative samples of female veterans is needed
to confirm those associations. The higher rates of infidelity among
veterans may be related to selection factors; military experiences, such as
deployment; or postmilitary factors. The current research provides a foundation
for further research that aims to explicate the mechanisms underlying
this association.
Citation
London, A. S., Allen, E., & Wilmoth, J. M. (2013). Veteran Status, Extramarital Sex, and Divorce Findings From the 1992 National Health and Social Life Survey. Journal of Family Issues, 34(11), 1452-1473.