The Complex Case of Marital Infidelity: An Explanatory Model of Contributory Processes to Facilitate Psychotherapy

Abstract

Marital infidelity is one of the most difficult problems to treat in psychotherapy. Although this topic has received theoretical, empirical, and clinical attention, an explanatory model of infidelity's (EMI) contributors that considers universal, lifelong involuntary, and volitional processes, has not been examined. In this model, we recognize how early appearing phenomena, such as habituation/dishabituation, perception, quality of attachment, deficits in executive functions and empathy, and short-term mating strategies may contribute to this risk. We link the selected early processes to problems associated with marital infidelity, such as boredom, perception of opportunities, unmet emotional needs, impulsivity, deficits in empathic responding, and habitual casual sex. We examine relevant supporting evidence, and end by recommending that clinicians consider these universal, lifelong processes in the treatment of infidelity.

The authors thank Sheri Johnson, Ph.D. for her remarks about previous versions of this manuscript.