Topic > The Importance of Infidelity - 1131

Marital therapy aims to address the problems that contribute to online infidelity (Mao & Raguram, 2009, p.303-4). Mao and Raguram (2009) concluded that the husband was involved in online infidelity because of “underlying issues” prior to the infidelity (p.304). For example, their findings showed that underlying problems existing in a married couple are often the main causes that lead to computer problems. Examples of these “marital problems” are poor communication, sexual dissatisfaction, and boredom in the relationship. These problems may increase the risk of online infidelity, but online infidelity could occur even without the presence of the “marital problems” mentioned above (Mao & Raguram, 2009, p.304). The use of marital therapy has shown that online infidelity could “deteriorate” a marriage. Additionally, online infidelity could lead to mental health problems. For example, in this specific case, the wife suffered from moderate depression and the cyber relationship had a negative impact on her mental health (Mao & Raguram, 2009, p.304). On a positive note, this case study shows that marital therapy “is an effective and valid approach in managing online infidelity and should be considered when planning treatment strategies” (Mao & Raguram, 2009,