The Impact of Infidelity on the Family System

Abstract

Infidelity can cause a ripple effect between spouses and the entire nuclear family when children are involved. Negash and Morgan (2016) stated that infidelity has a ravaging effect on social systems, but none is more afflicted by infidelity than the nuclear family. Social systems such as the nuclear family can be damaged irreparably by decisions made solely by one individual (Negash & Morgan, 2016). Other social systems can be described as a connected network shared by people with a commonality, for example: relationships, friendships or employment. Due to infidelity being a major reason for disruption, the current research project seeks to understand the long and short-term impact of parental infidelity on the family structure.