In this groundbreaking book, Lawrence Josephs argues for a new understanding of the psychological foundations of“cheating.”
Relationships are complicated. And as many therapists know, infidelity is a distressingly common issue for romantic couples. Unfortunately, most psychotherapy approaches tend to see infidelity as a manifestation of broader underlying problems and rarely offer insights or interventions to specifically address unfaithfulness and the impulses behind it.
Drawing on research in social, personality, and evolutionary psychology that examines the crucial roles of attachment theory and “dark” personality traits such as narcissism and low empathy, Josephs offers a complex but intuitive model that explains how and when intimate relationships work, and don’t work. His integrative and compassionate approach to treatment is grounded in psychodynamic principles, yet uses interventions from a variety of approaches, inclu
Trade Review“Josephs (Adelphi Univ.) imagines his book,
The Dynamics of Infidelity, as a bridge between researchers and clinicians. The result is an organized, accessible, carefully researched textbook on infidelity. Josephs’s relationship science approach smoothly blends social, personality, and evolutionary psychology with psychodynamics, marital communications skills, and mindfulness approaches to treatment (among others). The tone avoids being judgmental without compromising the quality of the arguments and evidence.” —
ChoiceJosephs (Adelphi Univ.) imagines his book, The Dynamics of Infidelity, as a bridge between researchers and clinicians. The result is an organized, accessible, carefully researched textbook on infidelity. Josephs’s relationship science approach smoothly blends social, personality, and evolutionary psychology with psychodynamics, marital communications skills, and mindfulness approaches to treatment (among others). The tone avoids being judgmental without compromising the quality of the arguments and evidence.
* Choice *
This book is detailed and sophisticated in discussing the psychological foundations of cheating. Individual, couple, and family therapists will find it helpful when looking for literature addressing infidelity and especially the relational dynamics involved in infidelity.
* Doody's Reviews *
Table of ContentsPreface
Introduction
Chapter 1: To Cheat or Not to Cheat? The Evolution of Fidelity and Infidelity
Chapter 2: Too Close for Comfort: Attachment Style and Infidelity
Chapter 3: The Wandering Eyes of Men and Women: Sex Differences in Motivations for Infidelity
Chapter 4: Fatal Attractions: The Dark Triad and Infidelity
Chapter 5: Am I Sexually Desirable? Fidelity and Infidelity as Proof of Mate Value
Chapter 6: Sexual Possessiveness and Jealousy: The Psychology of Retaliatory Infidelity
Chapter 7: When the Best Sex Is Extramarital: Infidelity Throughout the Lifespan
Chapter 8: The Problem of Begrudging Partner Sharing: When Cheaters Won’t Leave Their Spouses
Chapter 9: Boys Gone Wild: Can Infidelity Be a Symptom of Sex Addiction?
Chapter 10: Marital Communication Styles That Predict Betrayal
Conclusion: Why People Remain Faithful
References
Index
About the Author
