Infidelity a Challenge Facing Therapists

Abstract

It seems vital to address the problem of extramarital relationships or marital infidelity, which is a traumatic issue for families and spouses and a common issue in counseling and treatment for mental health therapists. This social problem is also very common, however, due to its crucial and personal aspect, accurate information about its prevalence is not available in Iran. Infidelity refers to any concealment of a spouse about an extramarital affair. In fact, secrecy is an important part of an illegitimate and romantic relationship. Types of infidelity include sexual, emotional, and virtual (Internet) infidelity. Men react more strongly to sexual infidelity and women to emotional infidelity. An important point to note is that dissatisfaction with marriage can lead to infidelity, but a successful marriage is no guarantee that it will not happen. Despite its prevalence, not much research has been done in this area. In a US study, integrative intervention therapy was used for couples with such problem and it was found that this integrated treatment model had a good effect on the symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Some tudies have been conducted in Iran despite the sensitivity of the issue. In a systematic review conducted in Mashhad to investigate the causes of infidelity in married women, four causes of individual-personality, cultural-social, family-educational, and religious-belief were more effective than other causes. In another study, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) was performed in Tehran to reduce anxiety and depression among women with extramarital affairs and it was observed that this treatment clearly reduces the mentioned symptoms.