Infidelity in Asian Indian Marriages: Implications for Counseling and Psychotherapy

Abstract

Although Asian Indians and their families may be generally silent on the topic of infidelity, many of them experience it on a continuing basis. In this article, the authors will discuss several cultural and social factors that might cause or influence a person's experience of infidelity. Several culturally sensitive counseling strategies will be presented that may be used to address the issues relating to infidelity while working with Asian Indian couples and families. It is hoped that familiarity with cultural norms, as well as concerns related to confidentiality could improve a clinician's ability to assess and provide services in a culturally competent manner.

Long‐Distance Romantic Couples: An Attachment Theoretical Perspective

“…At the very least, therapists can wonder, perhaps aloud, about whether cultural expectations are embedded in attachment‐ or LDR‐related distress. For instance, although currently in flux, traditional Hindu‐based Asian Indian marriage is a parent‐arranged launching of a joint‐families close network, with the married partners’ falling in love viewed as potentially disruptive to family closeness and obligations (Madathil & Sandhu, 2008). Gender issues are relevant, and though women are expected to be loyal to the husband, the parent–adult child relationship may be more central than the couple’s (Rastogi, 2007).…”

“…Because of collectivistic intergenerational family values, having or terminating an LDR may be a joint-family (vs. a couple) decision, with elders and men having more power (cf. Madathil & Sandhu, 2008). In U.S. counseling, the therapist would need to take into account the couple's and families' overt or covert internalized traditional values and acculturation, including biculturalism and any older generation's losses due to changing values.…”

Violence, Peace and Everyday Modes of Justice and Healing in Post-Colonial Africa

“…Almost all individuals, married or cohabiting, expect sexual and emotional restrictedness of their partners (Madathil and Sandhu, 2008). Nevertheless, this exclusivity is not always guaranteed in every relationship due to the infidelity of one or both partners.…”

Kepuasan Pernikahan Berhubungan dengan Kecenderungan Berselingkuh

“…Hasil penelitian Whisman dan Snyder (2007) memperlihatkan bahwa sekitar 20-40% laki-laki dan 20-25% perempuan yang menikah berselingkuh (Madathil & Sandhu, 2008). Dalam hitungan kasar, sekitar 50 persen orang yang menikah terlibat dalam berbagai bentuk perilaku selingkuh pada usia tertentu pernikahannya (Drigotas, Safstrom, & Gentilia, 1999).…”