Loneliness is an emotional state that occurs when a person feels isolated from others. It can be caused by several factors such as living alone, social isolation, unemployment, retirement, or loss of loved ones. Loneliness has been linked to various negative outcomes including poor mental health, decreased lifespan, increased risk for cardiovascular disease, and dementia.
Extramarital involvement refers to engaging in sexual activities outside of a committed relationship. This may include casual encounters, one-night stands, affairs, or emotional connections. Extramarital involvement is often associated with feelings of dissatisfaction, betrayal, guilt, shame, and low self-esteem.
It is also linked to increased excitement, novelty, variety, and satisfaction in some cases.
Recent research suggests that loneliness may play a significant role in extramarital involvement. Individuals who experience loneliness are more likely to seek intimate relationships outside of their marriage, even if they have a stable partner. This may occur because they feel emotionally disconnected from their spouse, lack physical affection, or desire more intense sexual experiences.
Individuals experiencing loneliness may believe that extramarital involvement will provide them with the connection and validation they crave.
Extramarital involvement does not always alleviate loneliness. In fact, it can intensify negative emotions like anxiety, depression, and jealousy.
It can harm relationships, families, careers, and personal wellbeing. It is important for individuals experiencing loneliness to address underlying issues such as communication problems, unmet needs, or mental health concerns before seeking fulfillment through extramarital relationships.
Loneliness is a complex psychological state that should not be dismissed or ignored. While extramarital involvement may offer temporary relief, it can cause long-term harm and pain. If you or someone you know is struggling with loneliness or extramarital involvement, please seek professional help or support.
What role does loneliness play in extramarital involvement?
Loneliness has been identified as one of the primary motivations behind people's decision to engage in extramarital affairs. In a study by Feshbach et al. , (2019), it was found that loneliness is positively correlated with the likelihood of having an affair. This finding suggests that individuals who feel lonely may seek out extramarital relationships in order to fill the void left by their lack of intimacy within their marriages.