The Role of Mediators on Couples Strategies to Keep Marriage after Disclosure of Infidelity: A Qualitative Study

Introduction: Infidelity has a devastating effect on marriage and individuals, and is a multifaceted problem that makes couples to enter couple therapy. Understanding, assessment, and treatment of extramarital affairs has significantly changed in the last decade. Therefore, the present study was conducted to identify the role of mediators on couples strategies to keep marriage following infidelity disclosure. Method: The is a qualitative study based on the grounded theory. The research population included ۲۱ couples living in Tehran who experienced infidelity and still live together from the time of infidelity disclosure (at least ۱ year and at most ۶ years). Subjects were selected using purposive sampling method. Data were collected using semi-structured in-depth interviews. Data were analyzed using theoretical coding and constant comparative analysis using categorization. Results: Stop the curiosity about the details of extramarital relationship, elimination of the third person from the life of person who was unfaithful, seeking professional help, effective social support, overcoming the sexuality role, and time were identified as the mediators affecting couples strategies to keep marriage after disclosure of infidelity. Conclusion: According to the results, the mediators obtained in this study are effective in facilitating the couple therapy, improving the marital relationship, and helping couples keep marriage after disclosure of infidelity.

Keywords:

Infidelity , Couple strategies , Mediator factors , Couple therapy , Qualitative study