Attitudes Towards Infidelity in Spousal Caregivers

Abstract

Spousal caregivers for partners with chronic illness often report experiencing relational losses in their marital relationships that cause them to feel less like a spouse and more like a parent. Because of relationship changes, caregiving spouses may begin to desire companionship and seek extramarital relationships. Through the lens of the investment model and data from Wave 1 of the 2005-2006 National Social Life Health and Aging Project (NSHAP), this dissertation investigated the relationship between satisfaction, attitudes towards alternatives, and investment and attitudes towards infidelity. Results from a series of multiple regression analyses suggest that: (a) Individuals identifying as Hispanic expressed more permissive attitudes towards infidelity and those who attended church regularly reported less permissive attitudes towards infidelity, (b) Rewards and not costs were associated with satisfaction in spousal caregivers, and (c) Attitudes towards alternatives was the most influential factor in determining attitudes towards infidelity. Surprisingly, satisfaction and investment were not significant in this sample. These findings suggest that these investment model concepts may hold different meanings for spousal caregivers. However, as this is the first testing of the investment model in a sample of spousal caregivers, further research is needed before conclusions can be made regarding the appropriateness of the investment model when examining relationships in the context of chronic illness among aging couples. Future research should expand on these findings by conducting qualitative and longitudinal research to deepen our understanding of this phenomenon and create therapeutic interventions for working with aging couples experiencing chronic illness. Keywords: spousal caregiver, alternative quality, infidelity, investment model, National Social Life Health and Aging Project