Partner Infidelity Research Articles

Case 3: Neonate Presenting with Acute Liver Failure and Shock

A 37-6/7-week-gestation male infant born via vaginal delivery is transferred to our institution on day 13 after birth for acute liver failure (ALF). The pregnancy was complicated by poor prenatal care, maternal depression triggered by partner infidelity, and upper respiratory symptoms 3 weeks before delivery. Maternal temperature of 39.4°C was noted 6 days before delivery, which was accompanied by a diagnosis of pyelonephritis and Trichomonas vaginitis. Prenatal laboratory values were negative, and no history of genital lesions was found. Labor was induced because of preeclampsia, with artificial rupture of membranes occurring 1 hour before delivery. The infant was discharged home on day 2 but was described as a “quiet” infant who rarely awoke to feed. On day 7, the patient had an isolated fever, with a temperature of 38.3°C that self-resolved and did not receive medical attention. On day 11, the infant exhibited a high-pitched cry and subsequently became apneic and floppy. He was admitted to an outside hospital, where he was noted to be hypothermic, with a temperature of 33.6°C; he had apnea requiring intubation and hypotension requiring dopamine. Workup revealed multiorgan failure, including ALF and renal dysfunction with disseminated intravascular coagulation. Laboratory findings were notable for an aspartate aminotransferase of 10,648 U/L (177.8 μkat/L), alanine aminotransferase of 2,196 U/L (36.7 μkat/L), international normalized ratio of 9.4, fibrinogen of less than 60 mg/dL (1.7 μmol/L), and platelets of 60 × 103/μL (60 × 109/L). Treatment …

Black Women with Multiple Sex Partners: The Role of Sexual Agency.

Motivations of low-income substance using heterosexual Black women in New York City for having multiple sexual partners are explored in this paper. Analysis of in-depth interviews with 50 study participants demonstrates that their relationships consisted of those who had: (1) a main sex partner and a secondary sex partner; or (2) two or more "casual" partners. Individual-level motivations for extra relational sex fell into four dominant themes: sexual pleasure, partner infidelity, sex exchange and past main partners. Using a Black feminist framework, we describe how participants displayed considerable autonomy by actively forming and withdrawing from sexual relationships with men. However, women described low rates of condom use with main partners and inconsistent use of condoms with more casual sexual partners. This contradiction becomes an important area for sexual health interventions. Women who had sexual relations with only one current mate in the past two years were recruited as a monogamous comparison group.

Optimism, Partner Infidelity, and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Optimism, Partner Infidelity, and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Promotion of Latina Health

Latina women in the United States are vulnerable to two intersecting public health concerns: intimate partner violence (IPV) and subsequent risk for HIV/AIDS infection. Examination of the cultural and contextual life factors of this understudied population is crucial to developing culturally relevant HIV interventions. Focus groups with Latinas (15 monolingual; 10 bilingual) who have experienced IPV were conducted. Monolingual and bilingual Latinas endorsed that they were concerned about HIV infection, naming partner infidelity and experiences of forced and coerced sex as primary reasons for their concern. However, monolingual participants had lower levels of HIV knowledge, spending much time discussing myths of HIV infection, whereas bilingual participants spent more time discussing specific prevention techniques, including challenges related to the violence in their relationships. These findings suggest that HIV/AIDS prevention programs for Latinas need to pay close attention to the different historical, contextual, and cultural experiences of this at-risk group of women.

How reliable are self-reports of HIV status disclosure? Evidence from couples in Malawi

IntroductionThe majority of research on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disclosure utilizes the perspective from a single individual, which cannot be substantiated in the absence of supporting data such as from a primary partner. ObjectivesThe objectives of this study were to evaluate: (1) the extent to which self-reported HIV disclosure was confirmed by a primary partner; (2) individual and relationship-level predictors of self-reported versus confirmed disclosure; and (3) whether confirmed disclosure was a stronger predictor of correctly assessing a partner's HIV status compared to self-reported disclosure. MethodsAs part of an 8-wave longitudinal study from 2009 to 2011 in southern Malawi, 366 individuals (183 couples) were interviewed about their primary relationship (wave 3), individually tested for HIV (wave 4), and then asked whether they disclosed to their primary partner (wave 5). ResultsWhile 93% of respondents reported that they disclosed, only 64% of respondents had confirmed reports from their partner. Having communicated with partner about HIV was positively associated with self-reported disclosure; this association remained significant but became more precise in the models for confirmed disclosure. Confirmed disclosure, but not self-report, was a significant predictor of correctly assessing a partner's HIV status. Being male, having lower perceived partner infidelity, having higher relationship unity, and testing HIV-negative were positively and significantly associated with correct assessment. Dyadic data from two partners provide an improved measure of disclosure as compared to a single individual's self-report and could be used to identify behavioral and biomedical opportunities to prevent HIV transmission within couples.

Dispositional Mindfulness as a Moderator of the Relationship Between Perceived Partner Infidelity and Women’s Dating Violence Perpetration

Mindfulness gained increased attention as it relates to aggressive behavior, including dating violence. However, no known studies examined how the combined influences of dispositional mindfulness and perceived partner infidelity, a well-documented correlate of dating violence, relate to women's dating violence perpetration. Using a sample of college women ( N = 203), we examined the relationship between perceived partner infidelity and physical dating violence perpetration at varying levels of dispositional mindfulness, controlling for the influence of alcohol use. Results indicated perceived partner infidelity and dating violence perpetration were positively related for women with low and mean dispositional mindfulness, but not for women with high dispositional mindfulness. These results further support the applicability of mindfulness theory in the context of dating violence. Implications of the present findings provide preliminary support for mindfulness intervention in relationships characterized by infidelity concerns.

Health, Anticipated Partner Infidelity, and Jealousy in Men and Women

Health has been identified as an important variable involved in mate choice. Unhealthy organisms are generally less able to provide reproductively important resources to partners and offspring and are more likely to pass on communicable disease. Research on human mate preferences has shown that both men and women prefer healthy mates. Yet to date, little research has examined how health relates to one’s own mating experiences. In the present study, 164 participants (87 women) who were currently in heterosexual romantic relationships completed measures of frequency and severity of health problems, anticipated partner infidelity, and intensity of jealousy felt in their current relationship. Mediation analyses showed that health problems predicted greater anticipated partner infidelity and jealousy scores and that anticipated partner infidelity mediated the links between health and jealousy for both frequency and severity of health problems, controlling for both sex and relationship duration. These findings suggest that unhealthy people perceive themselves to be at a mating disadvantage, experiencing associated differences in perceptions and emotions surrounding their romantic partners’ fidelity.

Prevalence of and risk factors for bacterial vaginosis among women of reproductive age attending cervical screening in southeastern Brazil.

To determine the prevalence of and risk factors for bacterial vaginosis. A cross-sectional study of women aged 14-54 years attending 18 primary healthcare units in Botucatu, Brazil, for cervical screening was undertaken between September 1, 2012, and January 31, 2013. Data on sociodemographics, sexual behavior, and medical history were obtained by interview. Vaginal swabs were taken to classify the vaginal flora according to the Nugent scoring system. Candida sp. hyphae and infection by Trichomonas vaginalis were also evaluated by microscopy and culture, respectively. Stepwise logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors independently associated with bacterial vaginosis. Among 1519 women included in analyses, 457 (30.1%) had bacterial vaginosis. Variables independently associated with bacterial vaginosis were a single marital status (OR 1.4; 95%CI 1.1-1.8), partner infidelity (OR 1.5; 95%CI 1.2-1.9), abnormal discharge in the previous year (OR 1.5; 95%CI 1.2-2.0), and concurrent trichomoniasis (OR 4.1; 95%CI 1.5-11.5). Current use of hormonal contraception (OR 0.7; 95%CI 0.5-0.9), luteal phase of menstrual cycle (OR 0.8; 95%CI 0.6-0.9), higher income (OR 0.8; 95%CI 0.6-0.9), and vaginal candidiasis (OR 0.5; 95%CI 0.3-0.9) all had protective effects. The prevalence of bacterial vaginosis in the study population is high. The epidemiological data provide evidence of the sexual transmissibility of bacterial vaginosis.

The Relationship Between Mindfulness and Forgiveness of Infidelity

Forgiveness has been associated with multiple benefits for individuals as well as for relationships. Mindfulness may facilitate an individual’s forgiveness of interpersonal betrayal by enhancing emotional recovery and perspective taking and reducing overidentification with anger. The current study evaluated whether higher levels of self-reported mindfulness were associated with forgiveness or nonforgiveness of past partner infidelity. Ninety-four participants (49 % male, 51 % Caucasian, 30 % Hispanic, and 16 % African American) with a history of a partner affair anonymously completed an online survey of their own levels of current mindfulness and forgiveness or nonforgiveness regarding an affair. Correlations between facets of mindfulness and forgiveness/nonforgiveness were evaluated. To examine significant associations, separate regressions were run, first controlling for affair variables (e.g., perceived severity of the infidelity, remorse of the partner) and secondly controlling for general empathy, perspective taking, and anger. In controlled analyses, lower levels of the mindfulness facets of acting with awareness and being nonjudgmental of inner experience were related to higher levels of current nonforgiveness of the partner. Additionally, the mindfulness skill of being nonreactive was positively related to higher levels of current forgiveness. However, other aspects of mindfulness either were not associated with forgiveness or nonforgiveness as hypothesized or were accounted for by the control variables. Future researchers could consider whether integrating mindfulness into intervention could be of benefit to individuals who have experienced partner infidelity.

Bisexuality Revealed through Infidelity Elicits Behavioral Immune Response in Women

Bisexual behavior elicits more negative responses when it is exhibited by men than when it is exhibited by women. Prior research has shown that women, but not men, are more likely to want to end heterosexual relationships when they find out their partners have had a same-sex affair versus an other-sex affair. This research sought to replicate such finding among heterosexual women using forced-choice measures as well as continuous measures. Further, this study examined whether reactions indicative of a behavioral immune response (i.e., feelings of disgust and pathogen fears) were more prevalent when a woman considered a partner's same-sex infidelity. Results showed support for increased behavioral intentions to end a relationship over a same-sex affair using forced-choice measures, especially among conservative participants, and that such intentions are accompanied by increased disgust and pathogen concern. Implications for bisexuals and men who have sex with men generally are discussed.

Anticipated partner infidelity and men’s intimate partner violence: The mediating role of anxiety.

Anticipated partner infidelity and men’s intimate partner violence: The mediating role of anxiety.

Condom use among female sex workers in Catalonia: why do they use a condom, why don't they use it?

The present study, based on social representation theory (Moscovici, 1961), aimed to identify the social representation of condom use (CU) in a collective of female sex workers (FSW) in Catalonia, considering both their work and private life. It involved 124 FSW and combined both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. Results suggest that both CU and non-CU represent strategies that FSW use mainly when confronted by threats to things they consider important. In work life, where CU is widespread, the most important thing is health protection, and the threat is represented by sexually transmitted infections. In private life, where non-CU is widespread, the most important thing is that their relationships adhere to an idealized relationship model, based on love, trust, and sexual gratification; this model lies in contrast to the status of the women as FSW. The threats are represented by both partner infidelity and their FSW status (symbolic threats).

Solving the problem of partner infidelity: Individual mate retention, coalitional mate retention, and in-pair copulation frequency

Humans deploy various strategies to solve adaptive problems associated with a long-term partner’s infidelity. We investigated the relationships among three such strategies: individual mate retention, coalitional mate retention (i.e., mate retention with assistance from allies), and in-pair copulation frequency. Participants (n=387; 176 women) in a committed, heterosexual relationship reported how often they (1) perform individual mate retention, (2) request coalitional mate retention, and (3) had sexual intercourse with their partner. The results indicate that women’s individual mate retention and men’s coalitional mate retention are positively associated with in-pair copulation frequency. The discussion notes limitations of this research and highlights the diversity of strategies humans deploy to address the adaptive problems of partner infidelity.

Breaking Up Is Hard to Do: Mexican American Girls’ Reactions to Boyfriends’ Infidelity

This qualitative study examines how Mexican American girls define and respond to partner infidelity. In-depth interviews with 24 Mexican American girls, ages 14–18, formed the basis of this study. Although girls variously defined cheating, the majority believed that girls should break up with boyfriends who are physically intimate with an outside partner. Yet, the girls’ real world experiences revealed a more nuanced understanding of how girls actually respond to partner infidelity. While most girls who had been cheated on immediately broke up with their partners, they were also quite likely to reconcile with them for a variety of reasons. Emotional and sexual health implications for relationship cycling---defined as breaking up, getting back together, and breaking up again---are discussed.

Attempted Suicide in Ghana: Motivation, Stigma, and Coping

To understand the experiences of suicidal persons in Ghana, 10 persons were interviewed after they attempted suicide. Thematic analysis of data showed that motivation for suicidal behavior included social taunting, hopelessness, and partner's infidelity. Suicidal persons reported stigma expressed through physical molestation and social ostracism, which left them traumatized. However, they coped through social support from relations, religious faith, and use of avoidance. Community-wide sensitive education should target reducing stigma and also increase mental health education on suicidal behavior in Ghanaian communities.

The influence of oxytocin on volitional and emotional ambivalence.

Moral decisions and social relationships are often characterized by strong feelings of ambivalence which can be a catalyst for emotional distress and several health-related problems. The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) has been identified as a key brain region in monitoring conflicting information, but the neurobiological substrates of ambivalence processing are still widely unknown. We have conducted two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, functional magnetic resonance imaging experiments involving 70 healthy male volunteers to investigate the effects of the neuropeptide oxytocin (OXT) on neural and behavioral correlates of ambivalence. We chose moral decision-making and the imagery of partner infidelity as examples to probe volitional and emotional ambivalence. In both experiments, intranasal OXT diminished neural responses in the ACC to ambivalence. Under OXT, moral dilemma vignettes also elicited a reduced activation in the orbitofrontal cortex, and the imagery of partner infidelity was rated as less arousing. Interestingly, the OXT-induced differential activation in the ACC predicted the magnitude of arousal reduction. Taken together, our findings reveal an unprecedented role of OXT in causing a domain-general decrease of neural responses to ambivalence. By alleviating emotional distress, OXT may qualify as a treatment option for psychiatric disorders with heightened ambivalence sensitivity such as schizophrenia or obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Situations which precipitate conflicts in the conjugal relationship: the women's discourse

This study aimed to analyze the situations that precipitate and/or intensify conflicts in the conjugal relationship. Interviews were held with 19 women experiencing conjugal violence. The Discourse of the Collective Subject was used as the method of organization, making it possible to find the central ideas, and gender was used as the analytical framework. Summary: the women report the man's control and domination of the woman, jealousy, the male partner's infidelity, unplanned fatherhood and motherhood, and the use of alcohol and drugs. These situations are related to the construction of the conjugal violence and/or the woman's remaining in the relationship, with preventive actions being essential so as to avoid this phenomenon and its repercussions on the health of the woman and the family. The work of the professional nurse is indispensable in the programs for harm prevention and for the promotion and assistance of the health of women and families, through social and health service means and facilities existing in the community.

Psychotherapeutic Considerations for Working with Betrayed Spouses: A Four-task Recovery Model

The treatment of infidelity is one of the most challenging and misunderstood aspects of marital therapy, with therapists frequently making treatment decisions based on faulty assumptions. By too quickly trying to ‘fix’ the marriage or by assuming that the betrayed spouse contributed to the unfaithful partner's infidelity, the therapeutic process can inadvertently re-traumatise an already emotionally fragile client, while not addressing his or her emotional needs. This paper addresses therapeutic considerations for working with the betrayed partner, and provides practical guidelines for addressing the psychological and emotional needs of a betrayed client. A grounded theory model of the recovery path for betrayed partners is presented, as well as suggestions for further research.

Perceptions of postnatal depression and health care needs in a South African sample: the "mental" in maternal health care.

BackgroundMaternal mental health care is a neglected area in low and middle income countries (LAMIC) such as South Africa, where maternal and child health care priorities are focused on reducing maternal and infant mortality and promoting infant physical health. In the context of a paucity of mental health specialists, the aim of this study was to understand the explanatory models of illness held by women with maternal depression with the view to informing the development of an appropriate counselling intervention using a task sharing approach.MethodsTwenty semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with mothers from a poor socio-economic area who were diagnosed with depression at the time of attending a primary health care facility. Follow-up interviews were conducted with 10 participants in their homes.ResultsDimensions of poverty, particularly food and financial insecurity and insecure accommodation; unwanted pregnancy; and interpersonal conflict, particularly partner rejection, infidelity and general lack of support were reported as the causes of depression. Exacerbating factors included negative thoughts and social isolation. Respondents embraced the notion of task sharing, indicating that counselling provided by general health care providers either individually or in groups could be helpful.ConclusionCounselling interventions drawing on techniques from cognitive behavioural therapy and problem solving therapy within a task sharing approach are recommended to build self-efficacy to address their material conditions and relationship problems in poorly resourced primary health care facilities in South Africa.

Life satisfaction and related socio-demographic factors during female midlife

To assess life satisfaction and related factors in middle-aged Spanish women. This was a cross-sectional study including 235 women aged 40 to 65, living in Granada (Spain), healthy companions of patients visiting the obstetrics and gynecology clinics. They completed the Diener Satisfaction with Life Scale, the Menopause Rating Scale, the Perceived Stress Scale, the Insomnia Severity Index and a sociodemographic questionnaire containing personal and partner data. Internal consistency of each tool was also calculated. Almost two-thirds (61.3%) of the women were postmenopausal, and 43.8% had abdominal obesity, 36.6% had insomnia, 18.7% had poor menopause-related quality of life, 31.9% performed regular exercise, and 5.1% had severe financial problems. Life satisfaction showed significant positive correlations (Spearman's test) with female and male age, and inverse correlations with menopause-related quality of life, perceived stress and insomnia. In the multiple linear regression analysis, high life satisfaction is positively correlated with having a partner who performed exercise, and inversely with having work problems, perceived stress and the suspicion of partner infidelity. These factors explained 40% of the variance of the multiple regression analysis for life satisfaction in middle-aged women. Life satisfaction is a construct related to perceived stress, work problems, and having a partner, while aspects of menopause and general health had no significant influence.