Post-Infidelity Interventions in Couple Therapy: A Systematic Thematic Synthesis of Change Processes Across Therapeutic Approaches.

AbstractRomantic infidelity disrupts relational functioning and attachment security. This systematic thematic synthesis reviewed 11 intervention-oriented studies of post-infidelity recovery in couple and family therapy. Across diverse therapeutic orientations, recurring change processes included emo...

Descripción completa

Detalles Bibliográficos
Publicado en:American Journal of Family Therapy pp. 1 - 40
Autores principales: Yalçın, Muhammed Alkın, Yavuz Güler, Çiğdem
Formato: Journal Article
Publicado: Taylor & Francis Ltd Jul2026
Acceso en línea:Ver este registro en EBSCOhost
Descripción
Sumario:AbstractRomantic infidelity disrupts relational functioning and attachment security. This systematic thematic synthesis reviewed 11 intervention-oriented studies of post-infidelity recovery in couple and family therapy. Across diverse therapeutic orientations, recurring change processes included emotional safety, meaning-making, attachment repair, behavioral consistency, and relational restructuring. Based on these findings, we propose a flexible three-phase clinical heuristic comprising emotional stabilization, narrative reorganization, and relational integration. The framework supports clinical decision-making without prescribing a single modality and highlights the need for longitudinal, process-oriented, and culturally responsive research.