O custo dos segredos: um estudo quantitativo sobre infidelidade financeira

• Ano de defesa: 2026
• Autor(a) principal: Sauer, Paula Gonçalves
• Orientador(a): Kublikowski, Ida
• Tipo de documento: Tese
• Tipo de acesso: Acesso aberto
• Idioma: por
• Instituição de defesa: Pontifícia Universidade Católica de São Paulo
• Programa de Pós-Graduação: Programa de Pós-Graduação em Psicologia: Psicologia Clínica
• Departamento: Faculdade de Ciências Humanas e da Saúde
• País: Brasil
• Palavras-chave em Português: Infidelidade financeira; Conjugalidade; Planejamento financeiro
• Palavras-chave em Inglês: Financial infidelity; Couple relationships; Financial planning
• Área do conhecimento CNPq: CNPQ::CIENCIAS HUMANAS::PSICOLOGIA
• Link de acesso: https://repositorio.pucsp.br/jspui/handle/handle/46732

This doctoral thesis investigates financial infidelity as a complex relational and psychosocial phenomenon involving practices of omission, secrecy, and deception in the management of economic resources within the context of couple relationships. From a systemic-quantitative and interdisciplinary perspective, the study integrates theoretical frameworks from clinical psychology, financial psychology, behavioral economics, and personal financial planning, aiming to understand how individual, relational, and cultural factors intertwine in the expression of this behavior. The research included 1,868 Brazilian participants, men and women aged 18 and older, from social groups of low vulnerability, married or not, who reported having been in stable romantic relationships lasting at least one year. A sociodemographic questionnaire and the Reduced Financial Infidelity Scale (ERIF), validated for the Brazilian context, were applied. Results indicate that women exhibited higher levels of financial infidelity, and that formal marriage and financial satisfaction act as protective factors. Statistical analyses identified three main dimensions of financial infidelity: (1) omission of daily expenses and debts; (2) concealment of income and extraordinary earnings; and (3) patrimonial secrecy involving inheritances and investments. Cluster analysis revealed three behavioral profiles: a group with low infidelity, associated with conjugal and financial stability; a group with moderate infidelity, characterized by minor omissions; and a group with high infidelity, marked by concealment of significant assets and debts. The findings show that financial infidelity occurs in varying degrees and with multiple motivations, ranging from defensive strategies and privacy preservation to intentional manipulation related to control and power. The research broadens the understanding of financial infidelity as a breach of the relational contract, not merely an act of individual dishonesty but an expression of communicational and emotional imbalances. By addressing a gap in Brazilian literature, this study provides theoretical and practical contributions for the development of clinical and therapeutic interventions, financial education for couples, and public policies promoting transparency and shared financial responsibility in intimate relationships