Explaining the Behavioral Experiences and Psychological Coping of Women Who Are Victims of an Extramarital Relationship: A Qualitative Study

The purpose of this study was to identify the behavioral experiences and psychological coping of women who were victims of an extramarital affair. The method of the study was applied and qualitative phenomenological. The population of this study included women who were victims of marital infidelity in Tehran in 2016. The sampling was purposefully continued until saturation and finally 18 female victims were selected and participants were interviewed in depth. Colaizzi content analysis method was used to analyze the data. The data analysis resulted in the identification of 2 main themes, 8 subthemes, and 38 basic concepts. The main themes of coping and adaptive behavioral responses include 1) relying on hobbies and favorite activities, 2) adapting to spouse, 3) seeking treatment and counseling, 4) companionship, 5) trying to change existing conditions, and 6) worship and praying. The main themes of maladaptive behaviors and responses include: 1) confrontations and maladaptive behavioral responses that focus on self and 2) confrontations and maladaptive behavioral responses that focus on spouse. Overall, the results of this study showed that the experiences of women who were victims of marital infidelity have behavioral consequences and hard and sometimes growth-oriented coping.