ABSTRACT
Infidelity (or an affair) is one of the most severe transgressions intimate partners can face. Although infidelity impacts emotional and relational health, this chapter primarily focuses on the less widely known links between infidelity and potential adverse physical health consequences. Viewing infidelity and suspicion from a stress perspective provides a way to understand mechanisms through which infidelity can impact physical health and well-being. Specifically, if individuals appraise the affair as potentially stressful and judge their coping abilities as inadequate to handle the stress, then a stress response is initiated, resulting in bodily reactions and potential subsequent adverse health consequences. Indeed, research suggests multiple ways infidelity and suspicion can impact the health and well-being of all involved parties. The chapter concludes with suggestions for helping individuals and couples alter the link between infidelity and diminished potential physical health.
