Dealing with couple infidelity in romantic relationships: A group intervention feasibility study

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Mental Health
• Group Therapy

Background:

• Couple infidelity significantly impacts individuals' mental well-being.
• Existing treatments often focus on couple therapy, leaving individual support options unexplored.
• The efficacy of group interventions for infidelity survivors is not well-documented.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and evaluate the feasibility of a brief group intervention for individuals affected by couple infidelity.
• To assess the acceptability, implementation, and preliminary efficacy of the group therapy.
• To examine the intervention's impact on depression, anxiety, PTSD, self-efficacy, and forgiveness.

Main Methods:

• A closed group intervention comprising eight 90-minute weekly sessions was implemented.
• The therapy integrated solution-focused techniques with psychoeducation on mindfulness, values, infidelity factors, and forgiveness.
• Participants completed pre, post, and follow-up assessments measuring psychological symptoms and relationship factors; interviews were also conducted.

Main Results:

• High participant acceptance of the intervention's content and goals was reported.
• Key benefits included improved emotional processing, understanding infidelity, and enhanced forgiveness.
• Statistically significant reductions in depression, anxiety, PTSD symptoms, and cognitive fusion were observed.
• Relationship self-efficacy increased, and the centrality of the infidelity event decreased.

Conclusions:

• The group intervention demonstrated feasibility and high acceptability among participants.
• The findings suggest group therapy is a viable alternative for individuals dealing with infidelity's psychological aftermath.
• This format offers crucial support when couple therapy is not an option.