Infidelity: Main Characteristics and Dynamics of an Extradyadic Relationship. A Systematic Review

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32351/rca.v11.415
Política de Crossmark DOI: https://doi.org/10.32351/politica-crossmark

Keywords:

couple, lover, unfaithful

Abstract

Infidelity is the breach of an agreement of sexual or emotional exclusivity within a monogamous romantic relationship. This study conducted a Systematic Review aimed at examining and synthesizing scientific evidence on the main individual and relational characteristics of extradyadic relationships. The PRISMA method was used, with searches in databases such as Scielo, Redalyc, PubMed, Dialnet, and Science Direct, for articles published between 2005 and 2025.
Results from 19 units of analysis (n = 2399 UF) described characteristics of infidelity in both men and women. An important finding is that infidelity often occurs in negative relational contexts, but it can also be understood as an expression of freedom and empowerment. Additionally, the study highlights an empirical gap regarding the characteristics of lovers who maintain relationships with married individuals.

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Author Biographies

  • Marcelo R. Ceberio, Universidad de Flores

    Is a clinical psychologist, professor, and researcher. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology (Kennedy University), a Bachelor’s degree in Education (UFLO), and completed his PhD at the University of Barcelona (UB), Kennedy University (UK), and the University of Buenos Aires (UBA). He was awarded the title of Doctor Honoris Causa by the Universidad Libre de Costa Rica, Universidad de Aconcagua (Argentina), and the Autonomous University of Peru .He holds a Master’s degree in Family Therapy (Autonomous University of Barcelona), a Master’s degree in Psychoimmunoendocrinology (Favaloro University), and a postdoctoral degree in Psychology with a specialization in research review methodology (UFLO). He trained in the systemic model at the Mental Research Institute (MRI) in Palo Alto, USA, where he later served as a professor and researcher; at Minuchin Center for the Family in New York; and at the Barcelona School of Family Therapy. He coordinated the volunteer team during the psychiatric deinstitutionalization experience in Trieste, Italy. He is currently Academic and Research Director of ESA (Argentine Systemic School), the Doctoral Program at UFLO University, and LINCS (Laboratory for Research in Neurosciences and Social Sciences). He is President of RELATES (Latin American and European Network of Systemic Schools) and an honorary member of the College of Psychologists of Peru. He serves as a tenured and visiting professor at various universities and institutes in Argentina, Latin America, Europe, and the United States. He is also the author of numerous scientific and science outreach articles, forewords, book chapters, and more than 60 books.

  • María Alejandra González Monzó, Universidad de Flores

    Is a Bachelor 's degree in Clinical Psychology (Catholic University of Asunción). Expert in Systemic Interventions (Basque-Navarre School). Director of the Paraguayan Systemic School. Faculty member at the Basque-Navarre School of Family Therapy. Professor and researcher at the University of Flores (UFLO). PhD in Psychology (systemic, neurosciences, and cognitive-behavioral focus) and postdoctoral training in Psychology with an emphasis on systematic review research methodology (UFLO).

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INFIDELITY: MAIN CHARACTERISTICS AND DYNAMICS OF AN EXTRADYADIC RELATIONSHIP. A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Published

2026-02-11

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How to Cite

Ceberio, M. R., & González Monzó, M. A. (2026). Infidelity: Main Characteristics and Dynamics of an Extradyadic Relationship. A Systematic Review. MenteClara Foundation’s Peer-Reviewed Journal, 11, 415. https://doi.org/10.32351/rca.v11.415