The National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago states that up to 17 percent of women in marriages have committed adultery and around 25 percent of men have also had affairs on their spouses. An extramarital affair can have a huge impact on the other spouse as well as other family members. Once an affair has been exposed, seeking the right type of help may be a determining factor in the outcome of the marriage.
Financial
One impact of an extramarital affair on the family is financial, which likely stems from the beginning of the affair. The cheating spouse may spend household money on lingerie, personal care or clothing to attract or please her lover. There may also be the financial burden of lost wages, paying for hotel rooms and romantic trips--all of which is money that should be contributed to the home.
Emotional
An extramarital affair can have a devastating emotional effect on the cheating spouse and the victimized spouse. The cheating spouse may often times find herself lying to her spouse, children, employer, friends and other family members. Emotionally, lying can cause someone to lose their self worth and credibility. The victimized spouse may feel emotions of guilt, hurt and anger toward his cheating spouse. Children are affected emotionally because of the betrayal and the fear of their parents being apart.
Children
Children are affected when one of the parents has an extramarital affair. Many children see an affair as a betrayal to not only the other parent, but to them as well. Some children may even blame themselves for their parent's affair. In some situations children get caught up in the lies that revolve around the affair, especially if the cheating parent has introduced his mistress to the child. If the child is confronted about infidelity from the victimized parent, she may be forced to lie to protect the cheating parent. This can cause the child despair and confusion.
Separation
Once a couple separates because of infidelity, it has a lasting effect on the couple and their children. The victimized spouse not only feels betrayed, she also has to adjust to life as a single person. Financial issues and finding adequate housing can be challenging for newly separated couples, especially if one was not anticipating an affair. This can be challenging for children involved in the marital household, particularly if they are suddenly uprooted from the home.
Seeking Help
Combat ongoing effects of an extramarital affair by seeking help from a professional. Marital counseling will help with working through the affair's aftermath and possibly repairing the marriage. In some cases, family counseling may be helpful to reestablish a strong family bond. Locate a therapist at marriagefriendlytherapists.com.
