An Analysis of the Causes and Consequences of Women’s Infidelity Toward Their Spouses and Preventive Strategies at the Family and Societal Levels

Abstract

Women constitute one of the most fundamental pillars of the family institution, and deviation on the part of this group can produce destructive and irreparable effects on the family and, consequently, on society. From this perspective, the present study aims to analyze and identify the causes of women’s infidelity toward their spouses, to examine its effects on the individual, the family, and society, and to propose strategies to prevent such illicit relationships at both the family and societal levels. This research is descriptive–survey in design and applied in terms of purpose. The study sample was selected through convenience sampling and consisted of 100 women, including women who had committed infidelity and were incarcerated, as well as women who had referred to psychological counseling centers. Data were collected using a questionnaire, and data analysis was conducted using covariance-based statistical methods Among the most significant and common causes of women’s infidelity are marital communication problems, forced marriage, unmet needs, and revenge-seeking. Based on the statistical results, it should be noted that granting the right to divorce as a policy measure may lead to an expansion in the exercise of divorce rights; therefore, instead of using the concept of “granting the right to divorce,” the notion of “facilitating the divorce process for women” should be adopted. In certain causes of infidelity, such facilitation can contribute to a reduction in women’s infidelity.