Affair recovery: Exploring similarities and differences of injured and involved partners. (9th July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mitchell, Erica A.; Wittenborn, Andrea K.; Timm, Tina M.; Blow, Adrian J.
• Is Part Of: Journal of marital and family therapy. Volume 48:Number 2(2022)
• Page Start: 447
• Page End: 463
• Publication Date: 2021-07-09
• Subjects: clinical -- couples -- qualitative; Marriage counseling -- United States -- Periodicals; Family psychotherapy -- Periodicals; Counseling -- Periodicals; Family -- Periodicals; Family Therapy -- Periodicals; Marriage -- Periodicals; Gezinstherapie; Conseil conjugal -- États-Unis -- Périodiques; Thérapie familiale -- Périodiques; 616.89156
• DOI: 10.1111/jmft.12538
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0194-472X

Abstract

Abstract: Infidelity is associated with negative effects on couples' relationships, yet some couples are able to overcome these and rebuild their relationship. Few studies have examined this process for couples who stay together after an affair. With a sample of 18 individuals (nine couples), this study explored similarities and differences between injured (i.e., partner who did not have the affair) and involved (i.e., partner who had the affair) partners' experiences across three categories of affair recovery: (a) commitment to the relationship, (b) dimensions of the attachment bond, and (c) healing process. Thematic analysis revealed similarities amongst both partners across categories: (a) frequent and quality communication, (b) mechanisms for rebuilding safety and trust, and (c) the importance of forgiveness. However, partners' experiences varied regarding (a) responses to needs for comfort, (b) their sexual relationship, and (c) responding to reminders. A discussion of these key findings and clinical implications are included.