The Consequences of Infidelity and the Effects That Ensue Among Betrayed Partners: A Qualitative Phenomenological Study
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Authors
Leiber, Brenda
Issue Date
2025-10
Type
Dissertation
Language
en
Keywords
Infidelity , Attachment Injuries
Alternative Title
Abstract
Abstract Infidelity in marriages or committed relationships often results in significant psychological distress for the betrayed partner (Shrout & Weigel, 2020). This distress is frequently regarded as a form of interpersonal trauma (Laaser, 2017; Lonergan et al., 2021; Roos et al., 2019; Shrout & Weigel, 2020). The problem addressed in this study was whether the experience of infidelity impacted the betrayed partners’ future relationships (Warach & Josephs, 2021) resulting in an attachment injury. Utilizing a qualitative phenomenological approach, this research explored the symptoms reported by betrayed partners and examined how these symptoms affected attachment in the betrayed partner’s future relationships. Research question 1(RQ1): Did the attachment injury impact the decision to pursue future relationships upon dissolving the relationship with the unfaithful partner? Research question 2 (RQ2): Did the attachment injury result in ongoing distress if the betrayed partner chose to remain in a relationship with the unfaithful partner? All participants in this research reported responses consistent with attachment injuries. The findings revealed that such injuries significantly impacted the participants’ willingness and ability to engage in future romantic relationships. Common manifestations included issues related to fear, abandonment, insecurity, withdraw, betrayal, and trust. Emotional difficulties such as substance use, distractibility, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and depression were also reported. This research revealed that regardless of whether the betrayed partner chose to remain with their unfaithful partner or dissolve the relationship, significant distress and attachment injuries were present.