RELATIONSHIP DISSATISFACTION AS A FACTOR FOR INFIDELITY

Abstract

Satisfying marital and romantic relationships are highly valued by people all over the world. Relationship satisfaction is a well-researched predictor of subjective well-being, mental and physical health, and longevity, while relationship dissatisfaction is considered by many researchers to be a major cause of separation and divorce. Among the most dramatic consequences of low relationship satisfaction is the increased vulnerability to infidelity. This article examines relationship dissatisfaction as one of the main predictors of infidelity, from the perspective of three important aspects – lack of love, incompatibility between partners, and an unfavorable ratio between the benefits of the relationship and the costs it requires. A better understanding of the problems in couples that lead to relationship dissatisfaction may help to build on and enrich existing therapeutic approaches aimed at preventing infidelity or managing its consequences.