The lived experience of third party in marital infidelity: A phenomenological study

Document Type : علمی - پژوهشی

Authors

1 Family Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran

2 Family Research Institute Shahid Beheshti University

Abstract

Marital infidelity is one of the reasons that marital relationships collapse, harming all those involved in it. This study examined their experiences with a qualitative method and a descriptive phenomenological approach. In this regard, semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 11 women who were romantically involved with a married person. For analyzing the data, the Colaizzi method was used. The results of the initial coding were identified in the form of 5 time periods - before the start of the relationship, at the beginning of the relationship, during the relationship, the end of the relationship and after the relationship. Before the relationship began, the two main themes included effective history and having moral values. At the beginning of the relationship, the path of acquaintance, unexpected experiences and conscious choice were the main themes. During the relationship, the following 5 themes came up: adversities, persistent factors, desires, goals, and events. At the end of the relationship, the main themes were the reasons for the breakup. After the relationship, the traces of the relationship, achievements and forgiveness were the main themes. The essence of the relationship was called exciting and bitter.

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