Emotional Processes Following Disclosure of an Extramarital Affair

Authors

Michael M. Olson, University of Texas Medical Branch
Candyce S. Russell, Kansas State University
Mindi Higgins-Kessler, Kansas State University
Richard B. Miller, Brigham Young University - ProvoFollow

Keywords

marital infidelity, disclosure, affair, forgiveness, couples therapy

Abstract

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.

Original Publication Citation

Olson, M. M., Russell, C. S., Higgins-Kessler, M., & Miller, R. B. (2002). Emotional processes following disclosure of an extramarital affair. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 28, 423-434.

BYU ScholarsArchive Citation

Olson, Michael M.; Russell, Candyce S.; Higgins-Kessler, Mindi; and Miller, Richard B., "Emotional Processes Following Disclosure of an Extramarital Affair" (2002). Faculty Publications. 3972.
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/facpub/3972

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2002-10

Permanent URL

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/6782

Publisher

Journal of Marital and Family Therapy

Language

English

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Department

Sociology

University Standing at Time of Publication

Full Professor

Copyright Use Information

http://lib.byu.edu/about/copyright/