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Assessing relationship betrayals

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Abstract

Relationship betrayals, such as sexual and emotional infidelity, are commonly encountered in the practice of psychotherapy, yet clinicians often report difficulties in assessing and treating them. In this article we offer suggestions for assessing relationship betrayals. We address the definition of relationship betrayals, methods of assessing relationship betrayals, when and whom to assess, confidentiality, and assessing related clinical concerns. We illustrate with case vignettes the assessment and treatment of betrayals in close relationships.
... Indeed, in the last decade, academic journals have released special issues on extramarital infidelity and numbers of books have been written about treatment of infidelity (e.g., Ortman, 2009;Baucom, Snyder, & Gordon, 2009;Piercy, Hertlein, & Wetchler, 2005;Vaughan, 2003;Glass, 2003;Brown, 2001;Subotnic & Harris, 1999;Lusterman, 1998;Spring & Sprimg, 1996). EMI has been discussed as an interpersonal trauma in the couples" life by many clinicians (Whisman & Wagers, 2005). Although there is a strong agreement on the idea that injured partners have symptoms similar to posttraumatic stress disorder, there is only limited research to examine traumatic responses of offended partners. ...
... Önceki bölümlerde de belirtildiği gibi, evlilik dıĢı iliĢki birçok klinisyen tarafından, kiĢiler arası bir travma olarak ele alınmaktadır (Whisman & Wagers, 2005 . Aldatmayı takiben ihanete uğramıĢ eĢ de kendini iliĢki içinde güvende hissedemez noktaya varır (Blow & Harnett, 2005b). ...
Thesis
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Extramarital infidelity (EMI) occurs with high frequency and produces penetrating consequences for individuals and couples. EMI has been studied as an interpersonal trauma in the couples’ life. The aims of the present study are to examine the traumatic effects of EMI on the offended partners as well as to find out the predictors (coping strategies, conservation of resources, and forgiveness stages) of the severity of PTSD. The participants of the study consisted of 189 married women who had continued their marriage after discovery of partners’ EMI. EMI was defined with one item measure with the six-point continuum starting from “entirely sexual” to “entirely emotional” involvement. The instruments of the: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptom Scale-Self Report (PSS-SR), Ways of Coping Inventory (WCI), The Conservation of Resources Evaluation (COR-E), and Forgiveness Inventory (FI: its reliability and validity study was completed for the present study). Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficients, a one-way between subjects multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA), and hierarchical multiple regression analyses were conducted as statistical methods. Although EMI is a traumatic event that was not consist with the DSM-IV, the results of the present study revealed that 34.4% of participants completed the whole DSM-IV criteria for PTSD. More specifically, the rates of participants who met the criteria were: 50.7% A (stressor), 97.9% B (intrusive recollection), 85.2% C (avoidant/numbing), 91.0% D (hyper-arousal), 93.1% E (duration), 85.7% F (functional significance). In addition, results of the present study showed: Coping; problem-focused group had lower PTSD than emotion-focused coping groups, Resource; a resource loss group had higher PTSD than resource gain group, and Forgiveness; stage I-impact group showed the highest PTSD whereas the stage III-recovery group showed the lowest PTSD. Furthermore, the final model of regression analyses revealed the predictors of PTSD total symptom severity as emotion-focused coping, problem-focused coping, resource gain, and stage I-impact, and these variables explained 46 % of the total variance. The results were discussed in accordance with the relevant literature.
... Betrayal by a loved one shatters the assumptions of safety and trust that underlie secure romantic bonds, and as such, can lead to prolonged emotional turmoil for the betrayed partner and relationship breakdown (Hall and Fincham, 2006;Johnson et al., 2001;Lonergan et al., 2021). Over the last two decades, investigators have increasingly recognized the commonalities between post-betrayal distress and certain forms of psychological trauma (Johnson et al., 2001;Lonergan et al., 2021;Whisman and Wagers, 2005). Evidence suggests that romantically betrayed individuals often report clinically important event-related stress symptoms, not unlike posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), such as intrusions, avoidance, hyperarousal/hypervigilance, negative cognitions, as well as depressed mood and anxiety, all of which have deleterious effects on quality of life and social functioning (Laaser et al., 2017;Roos et al., 2019;Steffens and Rennie, 2006;Whisman, 2015). ...
Article
Objectives In a sustained relationship, romantic betrayal is a catastrophic event that can precipitate an adjustment disorder (AD). Surprisingly, there exists no empirically validated treatment for AD, despite its high prevalence in clinical practice. Considering the promise of memory reactivation under propranolol (i.e., reconsolidation interference) for treating posttraumatic stress disorder, we sought to extend this finding to AD, given that in both disorders, symptoms stem from an identified stressor. Method A single-blind interrupted time series design was used to examine the efficacy of memory reactivation under propranolol to alleviate symptoms of AD. After being placed on a 4-week waitlist, sixty-one participants received 5 weekly 25-min treatments during which they recalled the betrayal event, 1 h after having orally ingested the beta-blocker propranolol. Results Segmented regression analyses on the intent-to-treat sample revealed that AD symptoms significantly decreased during the treatment phase (pre/post Cohen's d = 1.44), compared to the waitlist phase (d = 0.01). Significant pre/post reductions in anxio-depressive symptomatology were also found. Improvement was maintained at the 4-month follow-up on all outcomes. Conclusion Memory reactivation under propranolol shows promise in reducing symptoms of AD. This study provides the theoretical framework and necessary effect sizes to inform larger, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials.
... Betrayal causes children to lose their trust and confidence in the world because they perceive it as unpredictable and threatening. (Whisman & Wagers, 2005;Sori 2007) Possible Celibacy. Studies have shown that children of unfaithful parents are reluctant to start and keep a relationship, fearful that their parents would fall in love with someone else (Batara et al. 2018). ...
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Parental infidelity largely influences the quality of relationships in the family. In previous researches, the focus is mainly on the dyadic marital relationship of the couples, subsequently failing to consider how this influences the upbringing and well-being of their children. This study aims to explore how adult Filipino children's discovery of parental infidelity impacted their self-concept. Using purposive sampling, the study involved fourteen (14) participants, seven males, and seven females, who were aware of their parent's infidelity. The research used a semi-structured interview schedule to gather the necessary data. Thematic analysis was used to categorize the data into two major themes: (a) Pre-infidelity Family Dynamics and (b) Impacts of Parental Infidelity. The research utilized Dr. Murray Bowen's Family Systems Theory and Self-Concept Theory by Rogers to analyse the themes and to discuss the results of the study. The research helps explain the differences in the impacts of parental infidelity on the family and on the self-concept. Further implications are discussed in the study. Keywords: Parental infidelity; Family systems theory; Self-concept; Thematic analysis
... By doing this, individuals gain awareness about themselves and their relationships in order to develop more qualified and healthier romantic relationships without unfaithfullness. In addition,Whisman and Wagers (2005) emphasized that incorporating the definitions of infidelity indicated by both of the participants since people may have different perceptions in terms of exclusivity. Therefore, couple ...
Thesis
This study examines to what extent commitment level of Turkish university students predicts their intentions and attitudes towards infidelity with the unique contributions of satisfaction, investment size, and quality of alternatives as the components of the Investment Model after some demographic (age and gender) and relational variables (duration of relationship) are controlled. The sample of the present study consisted of 403 Turkish university students (83.4 % female; 15.9 % male) who were in a current romantic relationship. The Personal Information Form, the Relationship Stability Scale, the Intentions towards Infidelity Scale, and the Attitudes towards Infidelity Scale were used for data collection. Convenience sampling method and quantitative correlational design was utilized for the present study. A Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA), two seperate independent samples t-tests, a simultaneous multiple regression, and two seperate hierarchical multiple regression analyses were conducted for examining research questions. According to the results, men showed significantly higher intentions and more positive attitudes towards infidelity. On the other hand, no significant difference observed between men and women on the Investment Model variables. Additionally, satisfaction, investment, and quality of alternatives significantly predicted the commitment level of participants. Furthermore, commitment level of participants significantly predicted the variance in their intentions and attitudes towards infidelity (29.5 % and 14 %, respectively) with the unique contributions of Investment Model variables after the effects of demographic and relational variables were controlled. Results were discussed in relation to the relevant literature, implications and recommendations for practice and research were presented.
... La infidelidad según Zola (2004), incluye los actos de traición como el sexo virtual, las relaciones emocionales íntimas, las relaciones secretas, el uso sigiloso de pornografía, la traición financiera, además de una relación sexual física con un ter- cero. Estas traiciones pueden ser consideradas como viola- ciones de expectativas de la exclusividad emocional y física, y al descubrirlas se implican sentimientos de engaño que probablemente causarán desilusión y problemas de relación adicionales (Whisman & Wagers, 2005;Guitar, Geher, Kruger, Garcia, Fisher & Fitzgerald, 2017). ...
Article
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La infidelidad es un incumplimiento de un convenio donde se infringen los acuerdos de exclusividad relacional, es uno de los motivos más frecuentes del deterioro en las relaciones y en muchos casos quebranta la calidad de vida, la integridad y la salud. Frente a sus implicaciones es necesario contar con instrumentos capaces de evaluar las diferentes manifestaciones y consecuencias. El objetivo de la investigación fue realizar una exploración de las propiedades psicométricas del Inventario Multidimensional de Infidelidad de Romero, Rivera y Díaz. Con un diseño descriptivo Instrumental. La muestra de 500 individuos, con media 20.3 años y 73.2% de sexo femenino, se realizó análisis factorial exploratorio con rotación varimax. Se determinaron factores con autovalores mayores a 1 y que la varianza total explicara más del 50%. Los índices de consistencia interna con la fórmula Alfa de Cronbach se ubicaron entre 0.818 y 0.978. Los resultados indican que el instrumento posee la capacidad de medir diferentes categorías de la infidelidad, a través de 4 subescalas; Conducta Infiel, Motivos de Infidelidad, Conceptos de Infidelidad y Consecuencias de infidelidad. El inventario presentado tiene propiedades satisfactorias de validez y confiabilidad que lo hacen útil en la evaluación de la infidelidad en el contexto.
... La infidelidad según Zola (2004), incluye los actos de traición como el sexo virtual, las relaciones emocionales íntimas, las relaciones secretas, el uso sigiloso de pornografía, la traición financiera, además de una relación sexual física con un tercero. Estas traiciones pueden ser consideradas como viola-ciones de expectativas de la exclusividad emocional y física, y al descubrirlas se implican sentimientos de engaño que probablemente causarán desilusión y problemas de relación adicionales (Whisman & Wagers, 2005;Guitar, Geher, Kruger, Garcia, Fisher & Fitzgerald, 2017). ...
Article
Full-text available
La infidelidad es un incumplimiento de un convenio donde se infringen los acuerdos de exclusividad relacional. Es uno de los motivos más frecuentes del deterioro en las relaciones y en muchos casos quebranta la calidad de vida, la integridad y la salud. Frente a sus implicaciones es necesario contar con instrumentos capaces de evaluar las diferentes manifestaciones y consecuencias. El objetivo de la investigación fue realizar una exploración de las propiedades psicométricas del Inventario Multidimensional de Infidelidad de Romero, Rivera y Díaz. Con un diseño descriptivo instrumental. La muestra de 500 individuos, con media 20.3 años y 73.2% de sexo femenino, se realizó análisis factorial exploratorio con rotación varimax. Se determinaron factores con autovalores mayores a 1 y que la varianza total explicara más del 50%. Los índices de consistencia interna con la fórmula Alfa de Cronbach se ubicaron entre 0.818 y 0.978. Los resultados indican que el instrumento posee la capacidad de medir diferentes categorías de la infidelidad, a través de 4 subescalas; Conducta Infiel, Motivos de Infidelidad, Conceptos de Infidelidad y Consecuencias de infidelidad. El inventario presentado tiene propiedades satisfactorias de validez y confiabilidad que lo hacen útil en la evaluación de la infidelidad en el contexto.
... La infidelidad según Zola (2004), incluye los actos de traición como el sexo virtual, las relaciones emocionales íntimas, las relaciones secretas, el uso sigiloso de pornografía, la traición financiera, además de una relación sexual física con un tercero. Estas traiciones pueden ser consideradas como viola-ciones de expectativas de la exclusividad emocional y física, y al descubrirlas se implican sentimientos de engaño que probablemente causarán desilusión y problemas de relación adicionales (Whisman & Wagers, 2005;Guitar, Geher, Kruger, Garcia, Fisher & Fitzgerald, 2017). ...
Article
Full-text available
La infidelidad es un incumplimiento de un convenio donde se infringen los acuerdos de exclusividad relacional, es uno de los motivos más frecuentes del deterioro en las relaciones y en muchos casos quebranta la calidad de vida, la integridad y la salud. Frente a sus implicaciones es necesario contar con instrumentos capaces de evaluar las diferentes manifestaciones y consecuencias. El objetivo de la investigación fue realizar una exploración de las propiedades psicométricas del Inventario Multidimensional de Infidelidad de Romero, Rivera y Díaz. Con un diseño descriptivo Instrumental. La muestra de 500 individuos, con media 20.3 años y 73.2% de sexo femenino, se realizó análisis factorial exploratorio con rotación varimax. Se determinaron factores con autovalores mayores a 1 y que la varianza total explicara más del 50%. Los índices de consistencia interna con la fórmula Alfa de Cronbach se ubicaron entre 0.818 y 0.978. Los resultados indican que el instrumento posee la capacidad de medir diferentes categorías de la infidelidad, a través de 4 subescalas; Conducta Infiel, Motivos de Infidelidad, Conceptos de Infidelidad y Consecuencias de infidelidad. El inventario presentado tiene propiedades satisfactorias de validez y confiabilidad que lo hacen útil en la evaluación de la infidelidad en el contexto.
... Özellikle yıl dönümleri gibi belli zamanlarda tetiklenen, olayı rüyada tekrar tekrar görme, geri gelme (flashback) yaşantıları, girici anılar gibi durumlar yaşanabilmekte ya da kişide daha farklı tepkilere neden olabilmektedir. Bunlardan bazıları kaçınma davranışları, hissizleşme, diğerleri ve dış dünyaya karşı ilgide azalma, aşırı uyarılma, huzursuzluk, öfke, şüphe, kıskançlık, uyku kalitesinde bozulma olarak sıralanabilir (Whisman ve Wagers, 2005). ...
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The Social Organization of Sexuality reports the complete results of the nation's most comprehensive representative survey of sexual practices in the general adult population of the United States. This highly detailed portrait of sex in America and its social context and implications has established a new and original scientific orientation to the study of sexual behavior. "The most comprehensive U.S. sex survey ever." —USA Today "The findings from this survey, the first in decades to provide detailed insights about the sexual behavior of a representative sample of Americans, will have a profound impact on how policy makers tackle a number of pressing health problems." —Alison Bass, The Boston Globe "A fat, sophisticated, and sperm-freezingly serious volume. . . . This book is not in the business of giving us a good time. It is in the business of asking three thousand four hundred and thirty-two other people whether they had a good time, and exactly what they did to make it so good." —Anthony Lane, The New Yorker New York Times Book Review Notable Book of the Year