Emotional processes following disclosure of an extramarital affair.
In-depth interviews with individuals who had experienced marital infidelity revealed a three-stage process following disclosure of an affair. The process starts with an "emotional roller coaster" and moves through a "moratorium" before efforts at trust building are recognized. Implications for the literature on forgiveness and the process of change in couples therapy are discussed as well as implications for future research and for practice.
Olson
Michael M
MM
Department of Family Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555-1123, USA. mmolson@utmb.edu
Russell
Candyce S
CS
Higgins-Kessler
Mindi
M
Miller
Richard B
RB
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000739:Anecdotes as Topic; D003674:Defense Mechanisms; D004644:Emotions; D005114:Extramarital Relations; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008388:Marital Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D008393:Marriage / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D015146:Midwestern United States; D012649:Self Concept; D012650:Self Disclosure; D018454:Spouses / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D014342:Truth Disclosure