People being entangled in extra-marital affairs is a worldwide phenomenon that is becoming more widespread these days and is seen as one of the most serious threats to the stability of a healthy marriage.

Extra-marital affairs affect people of all ages, regions, cultures, and socioeconomic statuses. However, one may be mistaken if one believes that all extramarital affairs stem from the same intentions. Researches showed that extra-marital affairs won’t just ruin the social reputation but also harm the psychological well-being of both partners.

Extra-marital affairs may be caused by a variety of factors, including boredom in long-term relationships, frequent conflicts between couples, the fading of physical closeness and so on. The composition of an extra-marital affair is seen more or less similar in all the cases.

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A boy falls madly in love with a girl, they marry, and the responsibilities, and duties begin. Eventually, the thrill wears off, and men begin to seek adventure outside of the marriage.

As far as women are concerned, “lack of emotional connection” prompts them to indulge in extra-marital relations and engage in emotional affairs. Moreover, the women consider an extra-marital affair, a short-term solution to their problems and consider leaving her marriage.

On the Contrary, males are more likely to seek physical gratification. Due to the lack of “feeling words” for their spouses, they communicate their love physically. As a result, sex becomes a crucial pathway to closeness and connection. Lack of physical closeness among males makes them feel rejected and unloved. Because of their insecurities, men are more inclined than women to cheat.

Psychological Determinants of Extra-Marital Affairs

Involvement in the extra-marital relationship among men and women can be comprehended with the help of various factors mentioned below:

• Incapable of meeting partner’s requirements (physical, social, and psychological).
• Avoiding marital conflicts rather than confronting them.
• Lack of commitment in a relationship.
• Sexual disorders.
• Sense of Insecurity and low self-esteem (lack of self-worth) can increase the likelihood of having an affair to show one’s value.
• The likelihood of involving in an extra-marital relationship can be seen among individuals with a previous history of childhood trauma (such as physical, sexual, or emotional abuse or parental neglect).
• Addiction to alcohol, drugs, and gambling.
• The proneness of extra-marital relationships can be the result of prior experience of cheating.
• Psychological disorders, such as bipolar disorder (severe depression and mania) increase the likelihood of cheating in marriage.
• Getting involved is seen as more likely in people with narcissistic personality traits (self-centered and lack of empathy).
• If one partner has a sex addiction, they are more likely to be dissatisfied with the physical component of their marriage and seek out other options.
• Being undervalued or neglected by one or both partners.
• Unreasonable expectations from the partners.
• The feeling of boredom in married life.
• Falling out of love is often seen as a significant cause of involving in an extra-marital relationship. This may lead to issues in figuring out the ways to develop love in marital life.
• The feeling of Loneliness.
• Usage of online dating sites and mobile applications have been implicated in several affairs and separations.

In sum, it may be said that the above-mentioned causes resulting in extra-marital affairs either frivolous or extreme have not only devastating effects on marital life but also erode several lives, like a termite.