Association Membership
NO
DOI
10.34296/06022017
Abstract
This literature review addresses infidelity and the current limitations of treatment approaches due to incongruences in definitions and clinical acknowledgment. Infidelity, as a phenomenon, is poorly understood due to varying morals, experiences, religious and cultural influences that alter personal and relational constructs and expectations specific to infidelity. One commonality among those who experience infidelity is the lingering traumatic impact due to the violation of personal and societal convictions observed by the betrayal of trust, loyalty, commitment, self-worth, power imbalances, and religious beliefs. However, current literature and approaches to infidelity fail to address the traumatic impact of discovering infidelity within a relationship. Adjusting the criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to include infidelity betrayal will increase individuals’ resources to reduce traumatic symptomology that accompanies infidelity.
Recommended Citation
Anderson, M. (2025). The Connection between Infidelity and PTSD. Journal of Counseling Sexology & Sexual Wellness: Research, Practice, and Education, 6 (2). https://doi.org/10.34296/06022017