Internet Infidelity: A Threat to Emotional Intimacy (Chapter 11 from Recovering Intimacy in Love Relationships A Clinician's Guide)
Editor
Jon Carlson; Len Sperry
Files
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Description
This chapter will explore Internet infidelity as a threat to emotional intimacy in romantic relationships. Guidelines for recognizing Internet infidelity, specific treatment strategies, and implications for training will be reviewed. Internet infidelity is a new area of study within the psychological literature. Although in its infancy, it is critical that couples therapists incorporate an assessment of Internet use within a couple's relationship into their work with couples. Individuals who engage in secretive cybersex or Internet affairs create a breach of emotional intimacy in their primary romantic relationships, which is not easily healed. Therapists working with couples need to thoroughly assess how technology, including the Internet, text messaging, and cell phones, enhance or detract from their couples' relationships. These new technologies can be easily misused and represent an entirely new area in which physical and emotional boundary violations can occur. Additionally, these technologies provide romantic partners with a specific documented record of emotional breaches, which are often brought into the therapy session as "proof" of an emotional breach. Couples therapists need to consider how they will deal with this "proof" in sessions and share this with their clients before beginning therapy. This is a new but essential area of assessment for couples therapists. Finally, therapists need to examine their own biases and values regarding Internet infidelity and cybersex behaviors. Clearly, these attitudes impact therapists' evaluations, interventions, and relationships with their clients.
ISBN
9780415992534
Publication Date
7-7-2010
Publisher
Routledge
City
New York
Disciplines
Counseling Psychology
Recommended Citation
Helm, Katherine M., "Internet Infidelity: A Threat to Emotional Intimacy (Chapter 11 from Recovering Intimacy in Love Relationships A Clinician's Guide)" (2010). Psychology Department Faculty Books/Book Chapters. 27.
https://digitalcommons.lewisu.edu/psychology_fac-books/27
