Examining the Role of the Attachment Bond in the Process of Recovering from an Affair. Issue 3 (17th July 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mitchell, Erica A.; Wittenborn, Andrea K.; Timm, Tina M.; Blow, Adrian J.
• Is Part Of: American journal of family therapy. Volume 49:Issue 3(2021)
• Page Start: 221
• Page End: 236
• Publication Date: 2020-07-17
• Subjects: Infidelity -- affair recovery -- couples -- attachment; Family psychotherapy -- Periodicals; Family Therapy; Marital Therapy; Family; Counseling; 616.8915605
• DOI: 10.1080/01926187.2020.1791763
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0192-6187

Abstract

Abstract: Infidelity is an attachment injury as it shatters basic assumptions about one's relationship. This study investigated the role of the attachment bond in affair recovery. Individual qualitative interviews were conducted with couples (both partners; N = 20) who stayed together after an affair. Thematic analysis revealed important aspects of the recovery process including ongoing communication, intentional bids for closeness, and a commitment to the healing process. However, perceptions of partner responsiveness varied amongst participants. These findings reflect new insights from the perspective of both partners about the necessary components of affair recovery. Clinical implications based in attachment theory are discussed.