Effect of Infidelity Among Couples
Chapter One
Objectives of the Study
The primary objectives of this study are to:
- Assess the psychological effects of infidelity on the betrayed partner, including the impact on mental health, self-esteem, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life.
- Investigate the emotional and relational consequences of infidelity on marital satisfaction, communication, trust, and intimacy between couples.
- Explore gender differences in the experience and impact of infidelity, particularly how infidelity is perceived and its consequences for men and women in different cultural contexts.
- Investigate the long-term effects of infidelity on family stability, particularly on children’s emotional development, behavioral outcomes, and family cohesion.
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERTURE
Infidelity
Infidelity is broadly defined as a violation of the assumed or explicit commitment to sexual and/or emotional exclusivity within a romantic relationship (Blow & Hartnett, 2020). It represents one of the most challenging issues couples face and is consistently associated with marital distress, emotional trauma, and relationship dissolution. While historically infidelity was primarily associated with sexual activity outside marriage, modern understandings have expanded to include emotional affairs and technology-mediated behaviors such as sexting, cybersex, and secretive online communication (Henline et al., 2021). Contemporary research emphasizes that infidelity is not a singular or uniform behavior, but rather a spectrum that ranges from flirtation to full-blown sexual and emotional affairs (Lammers & Maner, 2020). Emotional infidelity, where one partner forms a deep emotional connection with someone else, can be just as damaging as physical infidelity, often leading to loss of trust and intimacy. According to Whitton et al. (2022), many individuals report higher distress from emotional betrayal than physical betrayal, particularly in long-term relationships.
Technological advancements have added complexity to the definition and detection of infidelity. The concept of digital infidelity has emerged to describe behaviors such as maintaining secret chats with someone outside the relationship, sharing intimate images, or using dating apps while in a committed relationship (Mileham, 2021). These acts may not involve physical contact but can still be perceived by partners as serious breaches of trust. Gender dynamics also play a role in how infidelity is experienced and interpreted. Studies suggest that men are more likely to engage in physical infidelity, while women are more likely to engage in emotional infidelity (Shackelford et al., 2020). However, these trends are evolving as social roles change and as both genders increasingly engage in multiple forms of extradyadic involvement.
From a psychological perspective, infidelity often stems from dissatisfaction in the relationship, such as unmet emotional or sexual needs, low commitment, or poor communication. According to Fincham and May (2023), individual traits such as narcissism, attachment insecurity, and impulsivity also correlate with higher likelihoods of cheating. However, not all infidelity is rooted in dissatisfaction—some individuals commit infidelity despite reporting high relationship satisfaction, often driven by opportunity, novelty seeking, or ego affirmation (Allen et al., 2022).
Infidelity has significant consequences, ranging from emotional distress and mental health challenges to the breakdown of families. For the betrayed partner, it often results in feelings of betrayal, depression, anxiety, and reduced self-esteem (Gordon et al., 2021). For the couple, it leads to diminished trust, decreased communication, and often separation or divorce, especially when left unaddressed or poorly managed.
Despite its destructive potential, some couples manage to recover from infidelity through forgiveness, therapy, and intentional rebuilding of trust. Research by Brown and Worthington (2024) shows that forgiveness and emotional openness are essential components in the healing process, although not all relationships can or should be salvaged after a betrayal. Infidelity is a multifaceted phenomenon with emotional, psychological, and relational dimensions. Its increasing prevalence and evolving forms—especially through digital platforms demand ongoing scholarly attention and practical strategies for prevention, intervention, and healing.
CHAPTER THREE
METHODOLOGY
Research Design
This study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The design was chosen because it enables the researcher to collect data from a representative sample and describe the psychological, emotional, and relational effects of infidelity among couples in Enugu State. It also allows for the exploration of patterns, relationships, and outcomes as experienced by affected individuals.
Area of the Study
The study was conducted in Enugu State, located in the southeastern region of Nigeria. Enugu is a culturally diverse state with urban and semi-urban populations and an increasing number of reported marital crises, making it a relevant setting for the study of infidelity among couples.
Population of the Study
The population of this study comprised married individuals (both males and females) who have experienced infidelity in their marriages and are residing in Enugu State. This includes those who are still in the relationship and those who have separated or divorced as a result of infidelity.
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS, AND INTERPRETATION
Introduction
This chapter presents the analysis of data collected from 200 respondents in Enugu State. The results are organized according to the two research questions. Descriptive statistics such as mean and standard deviation were used, along with Pearson correlation and ANOVA to determine relationships and significant differences. The findings are interpreted in line with the objectives of the study.
CHAPTER FIVE
DISCUSSION, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Discussion of Findings
This study examined the psychological, emotional, and relational consequences of infidelity among couples in Enugu State. The analysis revealed significant negative outcomes for individuals and relationships affected by infidelity.
Psychological Effects of Infidelity on the Betrayed Partner
The findings indicated that infidelity has a very high psychological impact on betrayed partners. Participants reported high levels of depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and reduced quality of life. These findings align with prior studies, such as Gordon et al. (2020), which found that betrayed spouses often experience symptoms consistent with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), emotional withdrawal, and reduced self-worth. This underscores the need for psychological support systems in managing marital crises.
Emotional and Relational Consequences on Marital Dynamics
The study also found that infidelity severely damages marital satisfaction, communication, trust, and intimacy. Trust and intimacy recorded particularly low mean scores. These findings support the work of Fincham and May (2017), who assert that infidelity often introduces chronic emotional disconnection, communication breakdown, and erosion of commitment. The result shows that once trust is breached, partners struggle to reconnect emotionally, which can lead to separation or divorce.
Gender Differences and Correlational Outcomes
The ANOVA results showed significant gender differences, with women reporting greater emotional and psychological impact than men. This is consistent with Amato and Previti (2021), who noted that while both genders suffer emotionally, women are more prone to internalize pain, leading to increased psychological distress. Furthermore, the strong negative correlation between psychological distress and trust/intimacy confirms that mental health challenges directly contribute to relational breakdown.
Conclusion
The study concludes that infidelity among couples in Enugu State has devastating psychological and relational consequences. Betrayed partners often suffer from mental health issues, including depression and low self-esteem, and marriages affected by infidelity show low levels of trust, intimacy, and communication. The damage to emotional and relational dynamics, if not addressed, may lead to the disintegration of family structures and long-term instability. Infidelity is, therefore, not just a personal failing but a social issue with wide-reaching effects that require both preventive and restorative interventions.
Recommendations
Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:
Government and community health departments should establish marital counseling centers to provide support for couples dealing with infidelity and its consequences.
Religious and community leaders should include mental health education and coping strategies in premarital and marital programs.
REFERENCES
- Amato, P. R., & Previti, D. (2021). People’s reasons for divorcing: Gender, social class, the life course, and adjustment. Journal of Family Issues, 42(3), 543–561. https://doi.org/10.1177/0192513X20979252
- Blow, A. J., & Hartnett, K. (2020). Infidelity in committed relationships II: A substantive review. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 46(1), 16–31. https://doi.org/10.1111/jmft.12354
- Fincham, F. D., & May, R. W. (2017). Infidelity in romantic relationships. Current Opinion in Psychology, 13, 70–74. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.copsyc.2016.03.008
- Gordon, K. C., Baucom, D. H., & Snyder, D. K. (2020). A couple-based approach to treating infidelity. Journal of Clinical Psychology: In Session, 76(3), 503–514. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.22861
- Mark, K. P., Janssen, E., & Milhausen, R. R. (2021). Infidelity in committed relationships: A sociocultural perspective. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 50(4), 1399–1415. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-020-01824-0
