AN INTEGRATIVE INTERVENTION FOR PROMOTING RECOVERY FROM EXTRAMARITAL AFFAIRS

TLDR

Extramarital affairs frequently disrupt relationships, yet empirical treatment research is scarce and therapists often regard them as difficult to treat. This study examined the efficacy of an integrative intervention aimed at facilitating recovery for couples after an affair. Using a replicated case‑study design, six couples received and completed the treatment. Most couples reported reduced emotional and marital distress, and injured partners expressed increased forgiveness, with the intervention’s details and future research directions outlined.

Abstract

The discovery or disclosure of an extramarital affair can have a devastating impact on partners, both individually and on the relationships. Research suggests that affairs occur relatively frequently in relationships and are a common presenting problem in couple therapy. However; despite their prevalence, there is little empirical treatment research in this area, and most therapists describe this problem as one of the more difficult to treat. In this study, we used a replicated case‐study design to explore the efficacy of an integrative treatment designed to help couples recover from an affair. Six couples entered and completed treatment. The majority of these couples were less emotionally or maritally distressed at the end of treatment, and the injured partners reported greater forgiveness regarding the affair. Details of the intervention, suggested adaptations of the treatment, and areas for future research are discussed.