Infidelity treatment from an integrative behavioral couple therapy perspective: Explanatory model and intervention strategies

Abstract

Infidelity has a devastating effect on relationships and is a common reason for seeking couple therapy. However, few empirical studies have demonstrated effective models or strategies for treating this issue. An exception is integrative behavioral couple therapy (IBCT). Nevertheless, IBCT's specific contributions to this therapeutic problem have not been the main focus of any publication. This article briefly mentions the effects that infidelity has on intimate partner relationships and presents the empirical evidence for IBCT's utility in treating affairs. It places special focus on exploring infidelity using IBCT's explanatory model. The application of various IBCT strategies and techniques in infidelity cases is explained both in general and with concrete examples. Whether couple therapy in cases of infidelity should focus specifically on the affair or on a wider scope of issues is discussed, as well as new directions for infidelity research within an IBCT framework.

An Affair to Remember: A Mixed-Methods Survey Examining Therapists’ Experiences Treating Infidelity

“…This lack of consensus in the research is attributable to affairs being culturally informed, warranting flexible and context-oriented definitions. In line with current research (Barraca & Polanski, 2021; Moller & Vossler, 2015; Moreno & Kahumoku-Fessler, 2018), the present study used the terminology involved partner for the partner who had an affair and uninvolved partner for the non-affair partner in the primary relationship to limited implicit moral biases. Additionally, while many definitions of infidelity exist in the research literature, we used Pittman's (1989, p. 20) contextual and culturally inclusive interpretation which defines infidelity as “a breach of trust, a betrayal of a relationship, a breaking of an agreement.”…”

Predicting Attitudes Towards Marital Infidelity Based on Marital Conflict and Marital Quality Among Women

“…When individuals decide to marry and form a family, trust and loyalty towards each other in the marital relationship are fundamental for its continuity. If this trust and loyalty are compromised, the continuation of the marital life faces challenges (Barraca & Polanski, 2021;Ebrahimi et al, 2023). Marital infidelity is one of the issues that can destroy the trust between spouses.…”

Emotional Dimensions of Infidelity: An Analysis of Psychological and Emotional Factors Affecting Relationship Infidelity

“…Second, as societies become more accepting of diverse relationship models, the exploration of emotional infidelity becomes pertinent in facilitating open conversations about the changing nature of partnerships (Abbasi & Alghamdi, 2017) (Young et al, 2013) (Fife et al, 2013). Lastly, insights gained from this research can inform therapeutic approaches for couples navigating the aftermath of emotional infidelity, aiding in the restoration of trust and emotional connection (Scuka, 2015) (Baucom et al, 2011) (Gordon et al, 2008) (Barraca & Polanski, 2021) (Peluso, 2007) (Snyder et al, 2007).…”