Marital Infidelity

Objective Marital infidelity is a very painful phenomenon that can lead to divorce. This study was conducted with the aim of the role of cognitive flexibility and religious coping strategies in predicting the desire for divorce of women with experience of infidelity. Methods  The research method was descriptive-correlation. The statistical population included all women with experience of infidelity and referring to Rah-e-Naw counseling center in Birjand in 2020 that 89 people were selected by convenience sampling. The instruments used were Divorce Attitude Questionnaire (DTS), Cognitive Flexibility Questionnaire (CFI) and Religious Coping Questionnaire (RCOPE). Pearson correlation test, multiple regression and SPSS-22 software were used to analyze the data. Results   The results of the correlation test showed that there is a negative and significant relationship between the desire for divorce with cognitive flexibility and positive religious confrontation and a positive and significant relationship between the desire for divorce and negative religious confrontation. Conclusion   Also, the results of regression analysis showed that cognitive flexibility and religious coping strategies together explain 34.8% of the variance of the desire to divorce. According to the findings, education and intervention in improving cognitive flexibility and religious coping strategies can be suggested as an effective method to reduce the desire for divorce.

The present study aims to predict the attitude towards marital infidelity based on attachment and perfectionism styles. The research method was correlational-descriptive and the statistical population was all married students of Islamic Azad University, Lahijan Branch. A sample of 369 students was selected by convenience sampling method. Adult Attachment Questionnaire, The Perfectionism Questionnaire and Attitude to Marital Infidelity Questionnaire were used to collect data. The research hypotheses were examined through Pearson correlation test and multiple regression and found that a significant correlation exists between marital infidelity with ambivalent attachment style (0.450), avoidant attachment style (0.348), safe style (-0.519), positive perfectionism (-0.403) and negative perfectionism (0.433). In addition, the multiple regression model indicated that attachment and perfectionism styles could accurately predict 34% and 25% of the variance of marital infidelity, respectively. The results indicated that creating a secure attachment style and positive perfectionism in individuals is related to reducing marital infidelity and consequently increasing family stability

Marital infidelity is a deeply damaging interpersonal event that triggers cognitive, emotional, and behavioral responses in the affected spouse. This study aimed to examine the reactions and cognitive-behavioral-emotional coping mechanisms of women facing marital infidelity. The research methodology employed was applied both in its objective and qualitatively in its execution. The study sample comprised 18 women residing in Herat City, Afghanistan, who had experienced spousal infidelity and sought counseling in the year 2021. They were purposively selected and interviewed using a semi-structured approach. The interviews were analyzed using Braun and Clarke's (2021) thematic analysis method which resulted in the identification of three main themes chaos (initial reactions), involvement (secondary reactions), and revival, 11 subthemes (behavioral, psychological-emotional, mental, and psychosomatic response, changing circumstances, involvement in activities, companionship, adaptation, seeking therapy, self-care, and coerced continuation of the relationship) and 114 primary codes. The research findings indicated that the cognitive-behavioral-emotional process of Afghan women facing marital infidelity unfolds in three stages: chaos (initial reactions), involvement (secondary reactions), and revival. Furthermore, it was observed that affected women exhibit varied behaviors at each stage and undergo different emotions and thoughts. Factors such as the manner of infidelity disclosure, quality of marital relationship, religious beliefs, social and familial support, societal perspectives, limitations in choice, lifestyle, and the presence of children play significant roles in shaping their cognitive-behavioral-emotional responses. The practical implications of this research findings can be beneficial for counselors working with Afghan couples dealing with marital infidelity. Keywords: Behavioral-emotional reactions, Marital infidelity, Women, Afghanistan    

Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of acceptance and commitment-based couples therapy on attitudes toward marital infidelity and emotional regulation in married women. Methods: This research was a quasi-experimental study conducted using pre-test, post-test, and follow-up methods. The study population consisted of 30 married women visiting psychological services and counseling centers in Tehran in the fall of 2022, who were selected using a convenience sampling method and were randomly assigned to either the experimental or control groups. The experimental group received acceptance and commitment-based couples therapy, while the control group received no training. The standard questionnaire on the tendency toward marital infidelity by Bashirpour et al. (2018) and the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale by Gratz and Roemer (2004) were distributed among all the study participants. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA with SPSS software version 22. Findings: The results showed that couples therapy based on acceptance and commitment had a significant effect on attitudes toward infidelity (F = 57.26, p < .001) and emotional regulation (F = 26.64, p < .001) in married women. Conclusion: It can be concluded that acceptance and commitment-based couples therapy is effective in influencing attitudes towards marital infidelity and emotional regulation in married women and can be used to improve the quality of married life.

Objective: Marital infidelity is one of the most significant threats to the stability of marital relationships and a leading cause of divorce across various cultures. This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) on self-compassion and experiential avoidance in women who have experienced marital infidelity. Methods: The current research was a quasi-experimental study with a pre-test and post-test design, involving experimental and control groups and a three-month follow-up. All women who had experienced marital infidelity and attended psychotherapy and counseling clinics in Tehran during the year 2021-2022 constituted the statistical population of this study, from which 30 were selected via convenience sampling based on the inclusion criteria and randomly assigned to two equal groups of 15. Data were collected using the Self-Compassion Scale (Neff, 2003) and the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire - Second Version (Bond et al., 2007). Participants in the experimental group received 8 sessions of intervention. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics and one-way analysis of variance with SPSS version 26. Findings: The mean self-compassion score and its dimensions in the experimental group significantly improved post-intervention compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Cognitive-behavioral therapy was beneficial in reducing experiential avoidance in the experimental group, unlike the control group (p < 0.05). The effects of this therapeutic program on dependent variables continued during the three-month follow-up period (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Cognitive-behavioral exercises can be used as an effective intervention method to improve the cognitive-emotional status of women who have experienced marital infidelity.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment-Based Couple Therapy (ACT) on communication patterns and marital infidelity among married individuals in Yazd. Methods: The research method was quasi-experimental. The population consisted of all married individuals attending psychological counseling and service centers in Meybod. Using questionnaires on communication patterns and marital infidelity, and employing purposive sampling, 20 couples with higher scores were selected from a pool of 50 couples. They were randomly assigned to either the experimental group (10 couples) or the control group (10 couples). The experimental group underwent Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, while the control group received no treatment. Post-tests were administered to both groups. Results, analyzed using covariance analysis. Findings: Findings showed that Acceptance and Commitment-Based Couple Therapy significantly impacts the communication patterns of married individuals. Additionally, it significantly affects marital infidelity among married individuals. Conclusion: Thus, ACT can be used to enhance couple’s relationship and prevent infidelity and divorce.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a strength-based intervention on altering attitudes toward marital infidelity and enhancing sexual self-concept among women experiencing marital conflict. Methods: A randomized controlled trial design was employed with 30 women from the Mehravar Counseling Center in Tehran, divided equally into intervention and control groups. The intervention consisted of eight 75-minute sessions based on strength-based principles. Data were collected at three points using the Attitudes Towards Infidelity Scale (ATIS) and the Sexual Self-Concept Inventory (SSCI). Statistical analysis was conducted using ANOVA with repeated measurements and Bonferroni post-hoc tests, utilizing SPSS-27. Findings: The intervention group showed significant improvements in both measured outcomes. Attitudes toward marital infidelity decreased from a pre-test mean of 42.53 (SD = 5.67) to 37.82 (SD = 5.12) at follow-up. Sexual self-concept increased from a pre-test mean of 30.88 (SD = 4.45) to 35.64 (SD = 3.72) at follow-up. The ANOVA results revealed significant time effects and time x group interactions for both variables (p < .001). Conclusion: The strength-based intervention was effective in significantly improving attitudes toward marital infidelity and sexual self-concept among women with marital conflicts. These findings suggest that such interventions can be beneficial in marital counseling settings, offering a promising approach for enhancing marital satisfaction and individual well-being.

Objective: The present study aimed to predict attitudes toward marital infidelity in couples based on attachment styles and personality traits with the mediation of coping strategies (gender comparison). Methods: The research method was correlational and used structural equation modeling. The statistical population included all married women and men aged 25 to 45 in Tehran. A sample of 420 individuals, comprising 210 women and 210 men, was selected through convenience sampling. Research data were collected using the Whately Marital Infidelity Attitude Questionnaire (2006), the Collins and Read Attachment Styles Questionnaire (1994), the Cattell 16 Personality Factor Test (1973), and the Lazarus-Folkman Coping Strategies Questionnaire (1988). Relationships between variables were assessed using Pearson's correlation test, and the research model was evaluated using the Partial Least Squares (PLS) structural equation modeling technique. The mediation role was also assessed using the bootstrapping method in Smart PLS software. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 27 and Smart PLS version 3. Findings: The research findings indicated that in the female sample, risk-taking as a personality trait could predict marital infidelity (p < .05). In the male sample, the conscientiousness personality trait directly predicted marital infidelity, while insecure attachment predicted marital infidelity both directly and indirectly through the avoidant-escape coping style (p < .05). Conclusion: The results showed that insecure attachment influences the tendency toward marital infidelity in the male group. Additionally, the conscientiousness factor influences the tendency toward marital infidelity in the male group, and the avoidance and escape strategies influence the tendency toward marital infidelity in the male group. The results also demonstrated that secure attachment negatively impacts the problem-solving coping strategy in the female group. Secure attachment negatively impacts the avoidant-escape strategy in the female group but positively impacts it in the male group. Insecure attachment positively impacts the avoidant-escape strategy in both the female and male groups. The conscientiousness factor positively impacts the problem-solving coping strategy in the female group. Moreover, sociability positively impacts the avoidant-escape strategy in the male group, while emotional stability negatively impacts the avoidant-escape strategy in the overall and male groups. Risk-taking negatively impacts the avoidant-escape strategy in the overall and male groups. These results showed no relationship between insecure attachment and the tendency toward marital infidelity in women.

Objective: The present study aimed to compare the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and schema therapy on psychological capital in women affected by marital infidelity. Methods: This research was a quasi-experimental study with a pre-test, post-test, and follow-up design with a control group. The statistical population included all women dealing with the issue of marital infidelity of their spouses who referred to counseling centers in Tehran in 2022 and expressed their readiness to participate in the treatment program in response to the researcher's call. From this population, 45 subjects were selected using purposive sampling and randomly assigned to three equal groups of 15 (two experimental groups and one control group). The Psychological Capital Questionnaire by Luthans et al. (2007) was used to collect data. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software and multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) tests. Findings: The results indicated that both schema therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy interventions produced a significant difference in psychological capital in women affected by marital infidelity at the post-test and follow-up stages compared to the control group (p ≤ 0.001). Conclusion: The results showed that cognitive-behavioral therapy had a greater impact on psychological capital in women affected by marital infidelity compared to schema therapy.

Objective: The present study aimed to examine and compare the effectiveness of emotion-focused therapy and schema therapy on attachment styles and emotion regulation in women affected by infidelity. Methods and Materials: This research employed a quasi-experimental design with a pretest–posttest and control group. The statistical population included all women affected by infidelity who referred to counseling centers in Tehran in 2023. From this population, 45 participants were selected using purposive sampling and randomly assigned to three groups: the first experimental group (emotion-focused therapy, 15 participants), the second experimental group (schema therapy, 15 participants), and the control group (15 participants). The experimental groups received the respective interventions across a set number of sessions, while the control group did not receive any intervention. All three groups were assessed at pretest, posttest, and follow-up stages using the Attachment Styles Questionnaire and the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire. Findings: Data analysis using repeated measures analysis of variance and post hoc tests indicated that both therapeutic approaches led to significant improvements in attachment styles and enhanced emotion regulation abilities in women affected by infidelity (p < .05). Moreover, a comparison of results showed that schema therapy demonstrated greater effectiveness than emotion-focused therapy in certain indices. Conclusion: Based on the findings, emotion-focused therapy and schema therapy can be considered effective approaches for promoting secure attachment styles and improving emotion regulation among women affected by infidelity.