Spirituality Enhanced with Cognitive-Behavioral Techniques in Extramarital Infidelity: A Literature Review

Extramarital Infidelity (EMI) variants, such as sexual and emotional infidelities, are increasing in marriages. The literature indicates that spiritual and cognitive-behavioral techniques reduce marital conflicts, increase marital satisfaction and commitment, and improve couples’ compatibility and quality of life. To the best of our knowledge, little is known about which therapies can more effectively prevent and address this behavior. In addition, no therapeutic approach is effective for all clients. Given the limitations of each approach, various studies have shown that eclectic approaches can provide a better point of view for addressing patient-specific problems. This literature review discussed the effectiveness of spiritual counseling enhanced with cognitive-behavioral techniques in addressing EMI. The findings suggest that the spiritual realm, as an aid for coping with the desire for extramarital relationships reinforced with cognitive-behavioral techniques, maybe a suitable method to approach this complicated phenomenon. There is a need to address the direct and indirect ways in which spiritual health affects EMI in both personal and social life.