Investigating the mediating role of forgiveness in the relationship between loneliness and sexual satisfaction with depression and feelings of inferiority in women affected by infidelity

Marital infidelity is one of the most important injuries and causes of family breakdown that has increased in recent years. Understanding the variables that affect the reduction of psychological problems of people affected by infidelity is very important because it can improve the emotional relationship between couples and reduce the risk of family breakdown. The aim of this study was to investigate the mediating role of forgiveness in the relationship between loneliness and sexual satisfaction with depression and feelings of inferiority in women affected by infidelity. 250 women affected by infidelity in Tehran were selected using purposive sampling method and participated in this study. Participants completed the Russell & Pilva & Cortona (1980) Loneliness Questionnaire, Larson et al. (1998), Ray et al. (2001), Beck Depression (1996), and Yao et al. (1997). Findings showed that the direct effects of loneliness, sexual satisfaction and forgiveness on depression and feelings of inferiority are significant. The results of path analysis showed that forgiveness has a mediating role in the relationship between loneliness and sexual satisfaction with depression and feelings of inferiority. Based on the research findings, the role of forgiveness in the occurrence and exacerbation of depression and feelings of inferiority can be confirmed. As a result, by providing the necessary training to women affected by infidelity in order to improve forgiveness skills, the harm caused by infidelity can be reduced.