A partner's infidelity can leave more than just emotional scars for it can also harm physical health.

A recent study found that individuals who have experienced infidelity are at a higher risk of chronic health problems, and these issues may persist even when they enter a new relationship.

In research conducted by Drs. Eunicia Hoy and Vincent Oh from the Singapore University of Social Sciences, which was published in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, they found that people who have faced partner infidelity are more likely to report chronic health issues compared to those who have not.

Chronic health conditions include long-term illnesses such as heart disease, arthritis, and migraines.

The study surveyed 2,579 American adults, aged 33 to 84, drawn from the nationally representative Midlife Development in the United States (MIDUS) study.

Participants were asked whether their partner had ever cheated and whether they had any long-term health conditions.

Additional data was collected on participants’ demographics and their family and friend support networks.

The researchers analyzed two sets of data, collected approximately nine years apart.

Their findings revealed that individuals who had experienced infidelity were more likely to report chronic health issues, even after accounting for factors such as age, gender, income, and education level.

Unexpectedly, the study also found that having a strong network of family and friends or entering a new relationship did not appear to reduce the chronic health issues experienced by those who were cheated on.

The authors suggested that the emotional distress caused by infidelity may have lasting effects on physical health, though they acknowledge that this area of research remains underexplored.

The researchers also noted that their study relied on self-reported data, which could be subject to memory bias, and did not consider the timing or context of the infidelity.

Before this study, other experts had pointed out the long-term psychological effects of infidelity.

In his 2009 book, "Transcending Post-Infidelity Stress Disorder: The Six Stages of Healing," Dr. Dennis Ortman argued that victims of infidelity might experience symptoms similar to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Ortman, using PTSD treatment as a model, offered strategies for victims to work through conflicting emotions, better understand themselves and their partners, and make key life decisions.

He viewed recovery as a spiritual journey, drawing on the wisdom of various faiths, and included exercises like guided meditations and journaling to aid recovery.