This study investigated the nature of people’s expectations about their dating partners’ fidelity and whether trust, commitment, and disapproval of infidelity predicted their expectations. Individuals (N = 209) in ongoing dating relationships completed measures of trust, commitment, and disapproval of infidelity as well as items assessing their expectations concerning the likelihood their partners had cheated on them or would cheat on them in the future. Consistent with earlier research with married individuals, participants thought it very unlikely—both in an absolute and in a relative sense—their dating partners would engage in extra-dyadic activity. Additionally, greater trust and disapproval of infidelity (but not commitment) predicted increasing faith in partners’ fidelity. We discuss possible personal and relational benefits of optimistic fidelity expectations.
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