Presenting a paradigmatic model of underlying factors result in marital infidelity based on grounded theory

Marriage is substantially recognized as a common convention to form an exclusive relationship in which emotional and sextual commitments of couples are fulfilled. Unfulfilled commitments and marital infidelity though are considered to be a thread to family and society health. Consequently, identifying causing effects of marital infidelity is highly significant to prevent it.

Current research hopes to investigate underlying factors on individuals’ inclinations which lead to marital infidelity to preclude its outbreak in families.

This qualitative research is conducted on the basis of grounded theory method. Population of the study Present population involves entire men and women live in Tehran who have committed infidelity between 2017 to 2020 and have visited Ruzbeh, Rahe Now, Parand as well as Mehraeein counseling centers. Participants are purposefully chosen from eleven men and ten women who meet the requirements.
An in-depth semi-structured interview is carried out. Data analysis is performed based on Strauss and Carbine (1990) three-stage method.

Data analysis in Open Coding Stage is divided into two main categories. Causal conditions (individual – personality, individual – family, husband and wife – relationship) and Texture conditions (society, occupation, cyberspace) and a subcategory including Intervening factors (friends, money, power, positive characteristics discovery) and needs category from Axial Coding Stage besides three core categories (predisposing factors, deterrent, responsive) are obtained.

Infidel men and women are affected by the aforementioned main and secondary effects revolving around needs are getting into adultery. Applying practical strategies, for some it leads to positive effects such as embedment and for some others it results in impractical strategies like divorce.