Grounds for Infidelity among Iranian Women: A Phenomenological Study

This phenomenological study investigated the lived experiences of Iranian women who had engaged in an extramarital affair. Seventeen women participated in semi-structured interviews at a residential center for women in Ahvaz Iran. Questions focused on the circumstances and marital experiences that participants felt contributed to their infidelity, as well as information about how the affair began and was maintained. Six main themes emerged: wives' emotional issues, cultural and social factors, substance abuse, husbands' psychological issues, financial concerns, and sexual concerns. Findings may be useful in designing education for couples and families that may help prevent the occurrence of marital infidelity.