Psychosomatic Reactions and Physiological Effects of Infidelity among the Female Victims: A Phenomenological Study

Abstract

Introduction: Infidelity has detrimental effects on the mental and physical health of victims. The aim of the present study is to identify psychosomatic reactions and physical effects of infidelity on the victims. Method: a qualitative research was used in this study. The study population consisted of women who are victims of infidelity in Tehran. Participants were selected through purposive sampling and in-depth interviews had been conducted with 18 women with the experience of infidelity. Data analyzed by thematic analysis method. Findings: The results suggest that couples show different psychosomatic reactions to infidelity. Data analysis resulted in 12 main categories and 39 sub-categories. The main categories of psychosomatic reactions were as follows: 1. sleep and dream interruptions, 2. eating interruptions, 3. impaired brain function, 4. physical symptoms of anxiety and stress, 5. blood pressure problems, 6. hormonal interruptions, 7. signs of premature aging, 8. gastrointestinal problems, 9. respiratory and pulmonary problems, 10- visual problems, 11. cardiovascular problems, and 12. direct physical injuries. Discussion: Results of the present study revealed that infidelity is a psychological phenomenon with some physical effects. These effects are not experienced by all female victims alike. This suggests a different perception of female victims and its related processes that cause different patterns of psychosomatic reactions to the infidelity among them.

Keywords

• Infidelity
• Affair
• Extramarital relationship
• Psychosomatic reactions
• Somatization