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Thesis/Dissertation Information
- Degree Disciplines:
- Psychology
Notes
- Abstract:
- Currently, the annual marriage rate is in decline while divorce rates display an age differential. People over age 40 are divorcing at higher rates than people under age 25. Research has demonstrated that infidelity is the number one reason for divorce. Nevertheless, not all of the couples who experience infidelity end up dissolving their marriage. Some couples choose to stay together and work towards improving their relationship. Forgiveness plays a defining role in the relationship outcome after extradyadic involvement. Forgiveness is a complex construct and as such, there are multiple factors that contribute to it within a romantic relationship context. There is scarce research about why individuals reach the decision of either continuing or ending the relationship after a betrayal. Past research has identified the need to investigate the variables that influence the outcome of a relationship following an infidelity. Consequently, the present study will evaluate the five most recognized factors associated with forgiving a sexual infidelity across five different degrees of the offense. The factors that will be examined include trait forgiveness, empathy, relationship commitment, relationship satisfaction, and trust. The sample of the current study will consist of 105 men and women, with a minimum age of 18, who have been or currently are in a romantic relationship with one partner. Trait forgiveness, empathy, relationship commitment, relationship satisfaction, and trust will be measured using the Tendency to Forgive Scale (TTF), Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI), Commitment Scale, Relationship Assessment Scale (RAS), Trust in Close Relationships Scale, respectively. In addition, The Degrees of Infidelity Scenarios were created to assess forgiveness at different levels of an infidelity, ranging from least offensive (texting another person with a flirting message) to most offensive (having sexual intercourse with the other person). A regression model will be used to examine the relationship between forgiveness and each of the contributing factors aforementioned. Correspondingly, there will be a series of 5 multiple regressions. Two hypotheses will be tested. First, at the lowest level of infidelity, trait forgiveness is hypothesized to be the best predictor of forgiveness. Second, at the highest level of infidelity, relationship satisfaction and relationship commitment are hypothesized to the best predictors of forgiveness. The findings of this study are relevant because they will contribute to the understanding of why some people forgive their partners after an infidelity. Infidelity is a severe threat to relationship maintenance, which commonly leads to relationship dissolution. Thus, understanding why forgiving behavior may occur and identifying the most important factors associated with it, can help therapists better assist struggling couples in marriage and relationship counseling. The comprehensive understanding of not only how but why forgiveness may occur can help foster relationship longevity and satisfaction after an infidelity.
- Thesis:
- Thesis (M.S.)--Barry University, 2017.
- Bibliography:
- Includes bibliographical references (leaves 49-54).
Record Information
- Source Institution:
- Barry University
- Holding Location:
- Barry University Archives and Special Collections
- Rights Management:
- Copyright Fernanda Ponce. Permission granted to Barry University to digitize, archive and distribute this item for non-profit research and educational purposes. Any reuse of this item in excess of fair use or other copyright exemptions requires permission of the copyright holder.
- Resource Identifier:
- HQ806.P66 2017_PonceFernanda ( BU-Local )
- Classification:
- HQ806.P66 2017 ( lcc )
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