Abstract

Although honesty is valued in intimate relationships, there has not been significant research on the range and different types of honesty and deception and their impacts on couples. The purpose of this study was to explore and define the role honesty plays in intimate relationships by examining the spectrum of honest and deceptive behaviors as described by participants. The study utilized qualitative methods to examine how romantic partners describe various types of honesty and deception in their relationships and the influence these have. The data was taken from part of a larger project on healthy and unhealthy relationships where semi-structured interviews were conducted from a diverse sample recruited through convenience and theoretical sampling. Constructivist grounded theory methods were used to code, generate, and refine prominent categories from the data. A model was created to describe and display the different motivations and types of honesty and deception. A better understanding of the role honesty plays in a healthy relationship can equip clinicians to recognize deception and help couples strengthen trust and connection. Understanding how honesty and deception are experienced in relationships can also help couples be more aware of how their actions and their partner's actions impact their relationship. Clinical implications from the study include suggestions for systemic therapists to assess for and explore honesty and deception in the motivations, types, and behaviors within intimate relationships. These can be applied in therapy to fortify trust and strengthen couples.

Degree

College and Department

Family, Home, and Social Sciences; Family Life

Rights

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