Understanding Fortunata Syndrome: Emotional Dependency on Married Men

Adamari López and Migbelis discussed the psychological mechanisms behind women who pursue relationships with married men during a Univision segment on April 9, 2026. The conversation explored the mindset of individuals described as robamaridos, focusing specifically on a psychological dynamic known as Fortunata Syndrome.

Fortunata Syndrome is characterized as a form of emotional dependency where an individual develops a strong affective relationship with a married person. According to research presented by Jorge Barraca Mairal and published by the Spanish Psychological Association in 2015, this syndrome often manifests as a repeated pattern of behavior in which women develop these dependencies at the expense of their own well-being.

Characteristics of Fortunata Syndrome

The psychological framework of Fortunata Syndrome involves several identifiable patterns of behavior and repeated attitudes. Central to this dynamic is a strong and lasting emotional dependency and a deep sense of loyalty toward the married man.

Those experiencing this syndrome often maintain complex and ambivalent feelings toward the man’s official partner. These feelings typically manifest in two conflicting ways:

• Resentment based on the belief that the official partner has taken something that belongs to the dependent individual.
• A desire to be the official partner, which can lead to attempts to imitate her or, in some cases, a desire to get along with her.

individuals with Fortunata Syndrome frequently question the validity of the marriage between the man and his official partner. This questioning often supports repeated fantasies that the current circumstances will eventually change, leading to the belief that they will ultimately end up together.

Psychological Impact and Dependency

The syndrome is described as a complex psychological dynamic that can trap individuals in the shadows of another person’s primary relationship. This emotional dependency is often sustained by the excuses or lies provided by the men involved.

The research into Fortunata Syndrome aims to distinguish these specific affective linkages from other similar situations of emotional dependency. By identifying the idiosyncrasies of these relationships, psychologists have developed strategies and guidelines to help women undo this dependency and end the affective linkage with married individuals.

The discussion on Univision highlighting these psychological drivers provides context for the behavior of those who repeatedly enter extramarital relationships, framing the issue as a matter of emotional dependency rather than simple infidelity.