Infidelity as a Threatening Factor to the Existence of the Family

AbstractOne of the numerous factors affecting family stability is undoubtedly the infidelity of one of the partners. This contribution comprises a personal definition of infidelity, including the most common practices and ways, which in the minds of adolescents are influenced by the subjective “definition” of infidelity. The research contains the results of the quantitative investigation shown in the sample of adolescents (n = 796). This is the view of individuals who are currently in their first partnerships and establishing a system of values concerning their relationship to the partner, to love, to loyalty, and to infidelity. Additionally, they form their image of a well- functioning family. The results of the research point to a growing tolerance towards infidelity. The focus of this paper is on responsible partner selection in the context of fostering stable partnerships, marriages, and parenting skills with the aim to eliminate the negative factors involved in infidelity, particularly concerning the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (especially HIV/AIDS) and other accompanying socially undesirable phenomena in order to contribute to the stability of the family