Social Psychology Research

Abstract Introduction: Emotional infidelity represents a complex phenomenon in marital relationships with profound implications for mental health and couple satisfaction. This issue holds particular significance among middle-aged women due to the unique psychological and social transitions associated with midlife. The present study aimed to identify the psychological processes underlying emotional infidelity and to develop a theoretical model grounded in empirical data.
Method: Data were collected during 2024 through semi-structured interviews with five middle-aged women (aged 35–55 years) who had experienced disclosed emotional infidelity within the preceding three years. Interviews were conducted at two reputable psychology clinics in Tehran and continued until theoretical saturation was achieved. Data analysis employed open, axial, and selective coding procedures, culminating in the extraction of a paradigmatic model centered on the core psychological process of emotional infidelity.
Results: The results revealed that diminished emotional intimacy, feelings of loneliness, marital dissatisfaction, and the pursuit of emotional support constituted the primary antecedents of emotional infidelity. Following engagement in such relationships, participants employed concealment, cognitive rationalization of their behavior, and anxiety related to potential disclosure as key strategies for managing internal and external conflicts. Ultimately, the revelation of infidelity frequently resulted in feelings of guilt, diminished self-esteem, social shame, and marital dissolution.
Conclusion: These findings enhance understanding of the antecedents, processes, and consequences of emotional infidelity among middle-aged women and offer practical insights for family counselors and psychologists. Recommendations for mitigating emotional infidelity in this population include strengthening communication and emotional skills, expanding specialized counseling services, implementing targeted media programs, and enhancing social support networks.