Overview

• The study conducted at Reichman University explored how external attention affects sexual desire and relationship dynamics.
• Participants in committed relationships experienced decreased desire when their partners received unsolicited flirtatious advances.
• The research showed that such attention could be perceived as a threat rather than a compliment in established relationships.
• Defensive reactions include emotional distancing and efforts to repel perceived rivals, rather than reinforcing the relationship.
• The tactic of inducing jealousy by attracting external attention often backfires, potentially undermining the relationship.