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Self-forgiving processes in therapy for romantic relationship infidelity: An evidence-based case study
Marilyn A Cornish1, Madison A Hanks1, Sharon M Gubash Black2
1Department of Special Education, Rehabilitation, and Counseling.
Psychotherapy (Chicago, Ill.)
|March 17, 2020
Summary
This study shows that self-forgiveness therapy can help individuals who have caused relational hurt, like infidelity, to heal and improve their well-being. The 8-week program facilitated emotional recovery and personal growth.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Relationship Counseling
Background:
- Self-forgiveness is linked to positive self and interpersonal connections.
- Relational hurt, especially from infidelity, significantly impacts intimate relationships.
- Self-forgiveness interventions may be crucial for individuals experiencing such distress.
Observation:
- This case study focused on a Caucasian woman in her 50s struggling with self-unforgiveness after marital infidelity.
- An 8-week manualized individual counseling program for self-forgiveness was implemented.
- The program integrated emotion-focused therapy and positive psychology principles.
Findings:
- The intervention utilized a 4-component model: responsibility, remorse, restoration, and renewal.
- Emotion-focused techniques were vital for the client's emotional recovery.
- The self-forgiveness program promoted a eudaimonic process, enhancing personal and relational well-being.
Implications:
- Self-forgiveness therapy is a viable treatment for individuals dealing with infidelity and self-blame.
- Emotion-focused techniques are effective in facilitating emotional recovery in self-forgiveness interventions.
- This approach can lead to significant improvements in personal and relational well-being.
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