Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/1959.11/11418
Title: What Helps Couples Rebuild Their Relationship After Infidelity?
Contributor(s): Abrahamson, Iona (author); Hussain, Rafat  (author); Khan, Adeel (author); Schofield, Margot J  (author)
Publication Date: 2012
DOI: 10.1177/0192513X11424257
Handle Link: https://hdl.handle.net/1959.11/11418
Abstract: Despite infidelity being a highly traumatic experience, not all couples end their relationship after discovery of the affair. The present study provides insights into the experience of couples who remained together after having experienced infidelity by one partner. Narrative inquiry methods were used to undertake and analyze in-depth interviews with eligible participants from eastern Australia who responded to advertisements. The key themes acknowledged by participants as reasons for maintaining the relationship were motivation to stay together, treasuring acts of kindness, meaning making, and social support. However, the reconciliation process was tortuous and involved forgiveness, seeking counseling, managing memories, vicarious learning, and changing couple dynamics. In rebuilding the relationship, a modification often took place, resulting in a shift in the power dynamic. The article outlines professional considerations for counselors and other therapists in relation to professional practice.
Publication Type: Journal Article
Source of Publication: Journal of Family Issues, 33(11), p. 1494-1519
Publisher: Sage Publications, Inc
Place of Publication: United States of America
ISSN: 1552-5481
0192-513X
Fields of Research (FoR) 2008: 111710 Health Counselling
111708 Health and Community Services
Fields of Research (FoR) 2020: 420307 Health counselling
420305 Health and community services
Socio-Economic Objective (SEO) 2008: 920401 Behaviour and Health
920413 Social Structure and Health
Socio-Economic Objective (SEO) 2020: 200401 Behaviour and health
200207 Social structure and health
200413 Substance abuse
Peer Reviewed: Yes
HERDC Category Description: C1 Refereed Article in a Scholarly Journal
Appears in Collections:Journal Article

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