Myths of Romantic Love, Negative Interactions, Relationship Involvement, Satisfaction, Infidelity, and Jealousy in Peruvian Individuals With Couples: Directed and Undirected Network Analysis

Abstract

This study investigates the complex relationships among myths of romantic love, satisfaction, jealousy, infidelity, and involvement in romantic relationships using both undirected and directed network analyses. A Gaussian Graphical Model and a Directed Acyclic Graph were employed to explore these interconnections in a sample of young Peruvian individuals in romantic relationships (n = 386). Results indicate that satisfaction emerges as a key starting point in the directed network, influencing involvement, infidelity, and jealousy. Satisfaction and involvement are central nodes in the undirected network, shaping overall relationship dynamics. The study also reveals that unrealistic beliefs about love and idealized expectations are associated with negative interactions and lower satisfaction, which in turn relates to higher infidelity and jealousy. These findings suggest that strengthening satisfaction may play a crucial role in mitigating negative interaction patterns and fostering healthier relationships.