Treatment Rationale for Internet Infidelity

AbstractInternet infidelity is one way underdeveloped integrity inhibits relating to oneself and one's partner. The behavior is one aspect of a person's emotional development that is evolved enough to find a partner but not evolved enough to relate in relationship. Infidelity is defined as taking sexual energy—of any variety that will compromise integrity—outside of a committed relationship, and pretending it will not affect the person, their partner, or their relationship, as long as it remains hidden in both partners. Avoidance behavior and ambivalence are viewed as unacknowledged longing for connection in both partners. Moving from stagnation toward maturity (separation, individuation, and differentiation) and integrity is the treatment focus.