A Phenomenology Study: Identifying of experiences and psychosomatic and physical reactions in 22-57 years old women victims of infidelity

The purpose of this study was to identify and explain experiences and psychosomatic and physical reactions of women victims of infidelity. This study employed a qualitative approach along with a descriptive phenomenology method. The sample consisted of 20 women between 22-57 years old from Isfahan in 1397 who were selected through purposive or judgmental sampling and were investigated by a semi-structured interview. The data were analyzed using Collaizi method. The data analysis resulted in 2 main themes: psychosomatic reactions and physical reactions; for each of them, more subthemes were found. Psychosomatic reactions including: body fitness problems, nutrition problems, respiratory problems, cordial problems, muscular problems, sleep problems, nervous problems, anxiety reactions, digestive problems, and blood pressure problems; and physical reactions including: physical problems and somatization. The results of this study showed that infidelity was not experienced similarly by all women victims. Different perceptions of infidelity have various effects on victim women and they have different experiences and reactions. Regarding the fact that the findings of the study have been elicited through interview and the cultural context of the society, it may be helpful for the experts to know the victim women experiences and provide useful psychological services to such women.