Facilitating forgiveness in the treatment of infidelity: an interpersonal model

May combine two claims.

Infidelity causes significant damage to couples, resulting in a loss of trust and relationship stability.

“Infidelity causes significant damage for couples and results in a loss of trust and relationship stability.”

• Also stated in: § Introduction · plain

  “Infidelity typically causes severe relationship instability, precipitates a loss of trust and increased conflict and undermines a couple's sense of togetherness and shared identity (Agnew et al., 1998;Glass, 2002).”

• Also stated in: § Forgiveness and therapy · plain

  “Infidelity constitutes a significant betrayal of a relationship (Gordon et al., 2004) as a result of which a couple's trust has been damaged and their sense of stability and connection has been shaken.”

• cites Agnew et al., 1998 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites Glass, 2002Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites Gordon et al., 2004 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

May combine two claims.

When treatment includes forgiveness, clients experience an increase in hope, self-esteem, self-forgiveness, and positive thoughts toward the transgressor, and a decrease in anger, anxiety, grief, negative thoughts and feelings, and depression.

“When treatment includes forgiveness, clients experience an increase in hope, self-esteem, self-forgiveness and positive thoughts toward the transgressor and a decrease in anger, anxiety, grief, negative thoughts and feelings, and depression (Coyle and Enright, 1997;Fitzgibbons, 1986;Harris et al., 2006).”

• cites Coyle and Enright, 1997Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites Fitzgibbons, 1986 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites Harris et al., 2006 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

As many as half of the couples seeking therapy have encountered infidelity either in the past or present.

“As many as half of the couples seeking therapy have encountered infidelity either in the past or present (Weeks et al., 2003).”

• cites Weeks et al., 2003Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

Levels of forgiveness are likely to predict marital conflict, psychological aggression, and behaviour towards the partner following an offense.

“They also suggest that levels of forgiveness are likely to predict marital conflict, psychological aggression and behaviour towards the partner following an offense.”

• cites Fincham et al., 2005Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

May combine two claims.

Forgiveness is beneficial to the establishment of meaningful relationships, increased self-acceptance, and the development of better ways of expressing anger.

“Forgiveness is also considered to be beneficial to the establishment of meaningful relationships, increased self-acceptance and the development of better ways of expressing anger (Fitzgibbons, 1986).”

• cites Fitzgibbons, 1986 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

Another reason for the limited use of forgiveness in therapy may be the difficulty therapists and clients have defining it.

“Another reason for the limited use of forgiveness in therapy may be the difficulty therapists and clients have defining it.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

Forgiveness is a modification in the motivational state of both partners, leading to the reduction of behaviour that is destructive to relationships and an increase in responses to healing relationships.

“McCullough et al. (1997) suggest that forgiveness is a modification in the motivational state of both partners, leading to the reduction of behaviour that is destructive to relationships and an increase in responses to healing relationships.”

• cites McCullough et al., 1997Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

May combine two claims.

Forgiveness decreases the injured individuals' need for punishment and revenge and helps free them from burdens of anger and resentment toward the offender.

“Forgiveness decreases the injured individuals' need for punishment and revenge (Baskin and Enright, 2004) and helps free them from burdens of anger and resentment toward the offender.”

• cites Baskin and Enright, 2004 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based).

Couples who desire reconciliation and healing must be guided through a process of forgiveness for true reconciliation and renewal to be possible.

“While some relationships dissolve as a result of infidelity, those couples who desire reconciliation and healing must be guided through a process of forgiveness for true reconciliation and renewal to be possible.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

Forgiveness is an interpersonal process rather than a single event.

“We regard forgiveness as an interpersonal process rather than a single event.”

May combine two claims.

Forgiveness helps couples heal relationship wounds, renew attachment security, and rebuild a sense of unity, resulting in significant changes at the core of the relationship.

“Ultimately, forgiveness helps couples heal relationship wounds, renew attachment security and rebuild a sense of unity, resulting in significant changes at the core of the relationship (Butler et al., 2009).”

• cites Butler et al., 2009 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

Such misunderstandings may keep clients and clinicians from engaging in forgiveness work that is critical to individual and relationship healing.

“Such misunderstandings may keep clients and clinicians from engaging in forgiveness work that is critical to individual and relationship healing.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

Forgiveness is essentially interpersonal.

“Spring (2004) who argues that 'forgiveness is essentially interpersonal' (p.123).”

• cites Spring, 2004Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

Forgiveness is an interaction between the forgiving person, the offending person, and the relationship between them.

“We agree with Gordon and Baucom (1998) that forgiveness is an interaction between the forgiving person, the offending person, and the relationship between them.”

• cites Gordon and Baucom, 1998 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable). May combine two claims.

It also opens the door for both partners to seek forgiveness, as each may have contributed in some way to the suffering relationship.

“It also opens the door for both partners to seek forgiveness, as each may have contributed in some way to the suffering relationship.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

Couples may come to therapy with low or unequal levels of commitment and it may be difficult for one or both partners to decide whether or not they want to stay in the relationship.

“Couples may come to therapy with low or unequal levels of commitment and it may be difficult for one or both partners to decide whether or not they want to stay in the relationship.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

Forgiveness is a highly idiosyncratic phenomenon that has to be defined and discussed with the couples in order to prevent misunderstanding.

“Forgiveness is a highly idiosyncratic phenomenon that has to be defined and discussed with the couples in order to prevent misunderstanding.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

In rare clinical cases where the affair can be highly compartmentalized, it may actually work to stabilize things.

“In those rare clinical cases where the affair can be highly compartmentalized, it may actually work to stabilize things.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

The affair is likely to have an adverse effect on the relationship, especially when the partner is aware of it.

“It is our contention that the affair is likely to have an adverse affect on the relationship, especially when the partner is aware of it.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

In order for a couple to heal the wounds after an affair the partners may go through a long and demanding process requiring both commitment and patience.

“In order for a couple to heal the wounds after an affair the partners may go through a long and demanding process.This process requires both commitment and patience.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable). May combine two claims.

Forgiveness does not mean to forget, excuse or condone the offense.

“As mentioned above, forgiveness does not mean to forget, excuse or condone the offense, and therapists should be aware of potential confusion about forgiveness, as this may interfere with clients' engagement in the therapy process (Butler et al., 2002).”

• cites Butler et al., 2002 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

The offending partners must commit themselves to cease all contact with the affair partner in order for trust to be rebuilt.

“The offending partners must commit themselves to cease all contact with the affair partner in order for trust to be rebuilt.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

Forgiveness does not absolve offending partners of responsibility for their actions but it can help to relieve both partners of burdensome emotions that preclude individual and relationship healing.

“It should be pointed out to clients that forgiveness does not absolve offending partners of responsibility for their actions but it can help to relieve both partners of burdensome emotions that preclude individual and relationship healing.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

The marriage's potential cannot be effectively assessed, nor can the couple effectively work toward healing, if there is an ongoing affair.

“The marriage's potential cannot be effectively assessed, nor can the couple effectively work toward healing, if there is an ongoing affair.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

In most cases the affair drains and further devitalizes the relationship.

“However, in most cases we see the affair draining and further devitalizing the relationship.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based).

Through achieving humility offending partners can learn to accept responsibility for the affair and for the hurt they have caused.

“However, through achieving humility offending partners can learn to accept responsibility for the affair and for the hurt they have caused.”

May combine two claims.

With the mutual expression of empathy the partners may become more patient and open to each other's experience, thus facilitating a deeper emotional connection and healing between them.

“With the mutual expression of empathy the partners may become more patient and open to each other's experience, thus facilitating a deeper emotional connection and healing between them.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based). May combine two claims.

Smaller confessions can increase humility and make it easier to take full responsibility for one's behaviour.

“These smaller confessions can increase humility and make it easier to take full responsibility for one's behaviour.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

Reflecting on one's own experience of being forgiven can facilitate increased humility and a greater openness to forgiving their partner.

“This can facilitate increased humility and a greater openness to forgiving their partner.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

Helping clients develop genuine humility can help them to continue moving forward on the path of forgiveness.

“Helping clients develop genuine humility can help them to continue moving forward on the path of forgiveness.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based).

Recognizing the pain and suffering of another can have a softening effect on couples.

“Recognizing the pain and suffering of another can have a softening effect on couples.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based).

Humbly accepting responsibility for one's behaviour is an essential part of the forgiveness process.

“Humbly accepting responsibility for one's behaviour is an essential part of the forgiveness process and this phase of treatment can provide an important opportunity for the offending partner to rehearse for a genuine apology to be made later in the therapeutic process.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

Both partners are likely to have experienced pain and sorrow in the relationship and a mutual understanding of the other's experience can promote increased unity and healing.

“Both partners are likely to have experienced pain and sorrow in the relationship and a mutual understanding of the other's experience can promote increased unity and healing.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

In many cases of infidelity treatment, offending partners may attempt to rationalize their behaviour and avoid taking responsibility for their actions.

“In many cases of infidelity treatment, offending partners may attempt to rationalize their behaviour and avoid taking responsibility for their actions.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

Both partners are often consumed with their own emotions after the affair has been revealed.

“Both partners are often consumed with their own emotions after the affair has been revealed.”

May combine two claims.

Both increased desire for more positive relational contact and decreased retaliatory impulses can be facilitated through the development of empathy.

“Both of these can be facilitated through the development of empathy (Fincham et al., 2005;McCullough et al., 1997).”

• cites Fincham et al., 2005Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites McCullough et al., 1997Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

May combine two claims.

The reciprocal effects of humility help couples grow together rather than apart, reducing the need for defensive positions and retaliation.

“The reciprocal effects of humility help couples grow together, rather than apart, as there is less need for them to maintain a defensive position or to feel a need to retaliate.”

• cites Worthington, 1998 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

May combine two claims.

Asking couples to recount the situation from each other's point of view can help partners shift from seeing each other as bad or malicious to seeing them as vulnerable or imperfect, which can be helpful in the development of empathy.

“Doing so can help partners shift from seeing each other as bad or malicious to seeing them as vulnerable or imperfect, which can be helpful in the development of empathy (Worthington, 1998).”

• cites Worthington, 1998 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based).

The experience and expression of empathy may provide an important balm for healing the wounds that partners have respectively experienced.

“The experience and expression of empathy may provide an important balm for healing the wounds that partners have respectively experienced.”

May combine two claims.

Partners' level of commitment and hope for the future influence their present behaviour and the decision to forgive.

“Commitment to the relationship is highly significant for the success of the forgiveness process because the partners' level of commitment and hope for the future will influence their present behaviour and the decision to forgive (Waldron and Kelley, 2008).”

• cites Waldron and Kelley, 2008 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

May combine two claims.

Apologies help soothe the wounds caused by infidelity, increase trust, and resolve power imbalances by establishing a sense of safety and control in the injured spouse.

“Specifically, apologies help soothe the wounds caused by infidelity, increase trust and resolve the power imbalances resulting from infidelity by establishing a sense of safety and control in the injured spouse (Fitness, 2001;Gordon and Baucom, 1998).”

• cites Fitness, 2001Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites Gordon and Baucom, 1998 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: Infidelity typically causes a serious breach in partners' relational wellbeing and their identity as a couple.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

Events in daily life may trigger memories of the betrayal.

“Events in daily life may trigger memories of the betrayal.”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: Forgiveness is often a long and difficult process.

May combine two claims.

Empathy arising from a genuine apology mitigates betrayed partners' anger, decreases motivation to retaliate, decreases need to maintain distance, and increases motivation for conciliatory behaviour.

“Empathy arising from a genuine apology affects betrayed partners favourably by mitigating their anger, decreasing their motivation to retaliate, decreasing the need to maintain a distance from the unfaithful partner and increasing their motivation to engage in conciliatory behaviour (Darby and Schlenker, 1982;McCullough et al., 1997).”

• cites Darby and Schlenker, 1982 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites McCullough et al., 1997Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: Infidelity typically causes a serious breach in partners' relational wellbeing and their identity as a couple.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based). May combine two claims.

Envisioning a new and improved relationship often leads to increased hope and commitment, which may be complemented by increases in unity and willingness to apologize and forgive.

“Envisioning a new and improved relationship often leads to an increase of hope and commitment, which may be complemented by increases in unity and willingness to apologize and forgive.”

May combine two claims.

Betrayed partners can identify with their partner's need to be forgiven and find the motivation necessary to extend forgiveness.

“Instead, they can begin to identify with their partner's need to be forgiven and find the motivation necessary to extend forgiveness (Worthington, 1998).”

• cites Worthington, 1998 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based).

A genuine apology requires significant effort and preparation.

“A genuine apology requires significant effort and preparation.”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: Infidelity typically causes a serious breach in partners' relational wellbeing and their identity as a couple.

May combine two claims.

An apology can be a deciding event during forgiveness work, and expression of empathy and remorse is extremely important for the apology to be accepted.

“An apology can be a deciding event during forgiveness work and the expression of empathy and remorse is extremely important for the apology to be accepted.”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: Infidelity typically causes a serious breach in partners' relational wellbeing and their identity as a couple.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Recurring feelings of anger, sadness, resentment and insecurity are common but may seem like setbacks and leave couples feeling their work has been in vain.

“Recurring feelings of anger, sadness, resentment and insecurity are common but may nonetheless seem like setbacks for couples and may leave them feeling that much of their work has been in vain.”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: Forgiveness is often a long and difficult process.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

Individuals and couples may move through forgiveness work at different rates, depending on their unique characteristics and circumstances.

“Individuals and couples may move through forgiveness work at difference rates, depending on their unique characteristics and circumstances.”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: Forgiveness is often a long and difficult process.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based). May combine two claims.

A couple's sense of hope is often connected to common goals and dreams, and discussing these helps increase hope for the future.

“A couple's sense of hope is often connected to common goals and dreams that tie them together and a discussion of these is particularly helpful in facilitating increased hope for the future.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based).

Through partners' efforts to develop and express empathy, humility and accountability, couples may develop a profound empathic connection that provides an important foundation for a genuine apology.

“Through partners' efforts to develop and express empathy, humility and accountability for one's actions, couples may develop a profound empathic connection that provides an important foundation for a genuine apology.”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: Infidelity typically causes a serious breach in partners' relational wellbeing and their identity as a couple.

Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

Relationship commitment includes emotional and psychological attachment, a long-term perspective on the relationship, the intent to continue in the relationship, and cognitive interdependence.

“Relationship commitment includes emotional and psychological attachment, a long-term perspective on the relationship, the intent to continue in the relationship and cognitive interdependence (that is, a sense of togetherness and identification as a couple, not just two separate individuals) (Agnew et al., 1998;Agnew and Gephart, 2000).”

• cites Agnew et al., 1998 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites Agnew and Gephart, 2000Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

These experiences are normal and usually decrease with time.

“Therapists should assist couples in working through perceived setbacks, letting them know that these experiences are normal and usually decrease with time.”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: Forgiveness is often a long and difficult process.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based).

Forgiveness plays a critical role in the process of healing and reconciliation.

“Forgiveness plays a critical role in the process of healing and reconciliation.”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: Infidelity typically causes a serious breach in partners' relational wellbeing and their identity as a couple.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based).

Forgiveness is a process rather than a one-time event.

“Therapists should help clients understand that forgiveness is a process rather than a one-time event.”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: Forgiveness is often a long and difficult process.

May combine two claims.

Until unfaithful partners accept responsibility, acknowledge the extent of hurt caused, and express true sorrow, their apologies are likely to remain unsuccessful.

“Moreover, although unfaithful partners are likely to have made multiple apologies already, until they accept responsibility for their behaviour, acknowledge the extent of the hurt it has caused and are able to express true sorrow their apologies are likely to remain unsuccessful.”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: Infidelity typically causes a serious breach in partners' relational wellbeing and their identity as a couple.

May combine two claims.

When betrayed partners sense that the other is truly sorry, they may feel safe to forgive, believing it is less likely for a remorseful spouse to engage in another affair.

“When they sense this, injured partners may feel safe to forgive, believing it is less likely for a remorseful spouse to engage in another affair (Gordon and Baucom, 1998).”

• cites Gordon and Baucom, 1998 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: Infidelity typically causes a serious breach in partners' relational wellbeing and their identity as a couple.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

Working on unifying factors helps the roots of forgiveness grow and sets the stage for a genuine apology.

“Working on the unifying factors described above helps the roots of forgiveness to grow and sets the stage for a genuine apology.”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: Infidelity typically causes a serious breach in partners' relational wellbeing and their identity as a couple.

May combine two claims.

A single apology may not be sufficient, as it may take time for betrayed partners to accept the apology or trust its sincerity.

“A single apology may not be sufficient, as it may take some time for betrayed partners to accept the apology or trust its sincerity.”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: Infidelity typically causes a serious breach in partners' relational wellbeing and their identity as a couple.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

It is common for partners who engaged in infidelity to be impatient with the pace of forgiveness.

“It is common for partners who engaged in infidelity to be impatient with the pace of forgiveness.”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: Forgiveness is often a long and difficult process.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

Betrayed partners may not want to take a chance on being wounded again, and forgiveness may appear too risky or unwise, especially if it is erroneously confounded with condoning or permissiveness.

“However, betrayed partners may not want to take a chance on being wounded again and forgiveness may appear too risky or even unwise, especially if it is erroneously confounded with condoning or permissiveness.”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: Infidelity typically causes a serious breach in partners' relational wellbeing and their identity as a couple.

Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

Impatience is likely to come across as insensitivity and a lack of support, which may foster further resentment in the betrayed partner and obstruct forgiveness and healing.

“Specifically, therapists should redirect unfaithful partners towards an empathic understanding of their partner's struggles and remind them that impatience is likely to come across as insensitivity and a lack of support, which may foster further resentment in the betrayed partner and obstruct forgiveness and healing.”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: Forgiveness is often a long and difficult process.

Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

Prior to facilitating an apology, the therapist must be clear that unfaithful partners understand the damage caused by their behaviour, are truly sorry for the offense, and are committed to remain faithful.

“Prior to facilitating an apology the therapist must be clear that unfaithful partners understand the damage caused by their behaviour, are truly sorry for the offense, and are committed to remain faithful (Fitness, 2001;Steiner, 2000).”

• cites Fitness, 2001Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites Steiner, 2000 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: Infidelity typically causes a serious breach in partners' relational wellbeing and their identity as a couple.

Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

The aspects of commitment are reciprocally related, and treatment can focus on enhancing any of them as a means of building commitment.

“These aspects of commitment are reciprocally related and treatment can focus on enhancing any of them as a means of building commitment.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

Lingering feelings of betrayal and hurt are common in cases of infidelity.

“However, lingering feelings of betrayal and hurt are common in cases of infidelity.”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: Forgiveness is often a long and difficult process.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

After an affair has been discovered, it may be difficult for partners to remember the good times in their relationship and feelings of love they have towards each other.

“After an affair has been discovered it may be difficult for partners to remember the good times in their relationship and feelings of love they have towards each other.”

May combine two claims.

For couples working together in therapy, forgiveness is most likely to occur when both partners desire reconciliation and the couple is willing to put forth a unified effort to facilitate healing.

“For couples working together in therapy, forgiveness is most likely to occur when both partners desire reconciliation and when the couple is willing to put forth a unified effort to facilitate healing.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based).

In order for relationship healing to occur, infidelity cannot be merely tolerated or endured.

“In order for relationship healing to occur infidelity cannot be merely tolerated or endured.”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: Infidelity typically causes a serious breach in partners' relational wellbeing and their identity as a couple.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

Building hope is critical to the forgiveness process.

“Along with increasing commitment, building up hope is also critical to the forgiveness process.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable). May combine two claims.

Forgiveness is an ongoing and recurring choice, and couples may need to work through the steps of forgiveness several times.

“Forgiveness is an ongoing and recurring choice and couples may be required to work through the steps of forgiveness several times.”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: Forgiveness is often a long and difficult process.

May combine two claims.

Factors that can interfere with or serve as obstacles to promoting forgiveness include narcissism, shame, accusatory suffering, anger, and fear that infidelity may happen again.

“These obstacles include narcissism, shame, accusatory suffering, anger and the fear that infidelity may happen again (Worthington, 1998).”

• cites Worthington, 1998 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: Forgiveness is often a long and difficult process.

Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

Forgiveness is not regarded as sufficient for reconciliation, nor is the model a comprehensive approach to treating infidelity.

“As previously stated, forgiveness is not regarded as sufficient for reconciliation, nor is the model a comprehensive approach to treating infidelity.”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: The discovery of an affair presents a major crisis for couples in committed relationships.
• AssumptionRests on an assumption: The betrayal and subsequent emotional experiences of both partners have significant consequences for individual and relational well-being, making infidelity one of the most difficult presenting problems to treat in couple's therapy.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based).

Even after forgiveness has occurred, it is essential for couples to continue working on nourishing their relationship and preventing future betrayals.

“It is important to point out that even after forgiveness has occurred it is essential for couples to continue working on nourishing their relationship and preventing future betrayals.”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: The discovery of an affair presents a major crisis for couples in committed relationships.
• AssumptionRests on an assumption: The betrayal and subsequent emotional experiences of both partners have significant consequences for individual and relational well-being, making infidelity one of the most difficult presenting problems to treat in couple's therapy.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

The approach to forgiveness intervention presented offers a framework for therapists working with clients dealing with infidelity.

“The approach to forgiveness intervention presented above offers a framework for therapists working with clients who are dealing with this complicated situation.”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: The discovery of an affair presents a major crisis for couples in committed relationships.
• AssumptionRests on an assumption: The betrayal and subsequent emotional experiences of both partners have significant consequences for individual and relational well-being, making infidelity one of the most difficult presenting problems to treat in couple's therapy.

May combine two claims.

Forgiveness does not require reconciliation, nor does it require an interest by the other party.

“Forgiveness does not require reconciliation, nor does it require an interest by the other party.”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: Forgiveness is often a long and difficult process.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

The precursory steps before forgiveness help couples prepare to embark on forgiveness work and are likely to make the process less difficult and its success more likely.

“The precursory steps before forgiveness help couples prepare to embark on forgiveness work and are likely to make the process of forgiveness less difficult and its success more likely.”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: The discovery of an affair presents a major crisis for couples in committed relationships.
• AssumptionRests on an assumption: The betrayal and subsequent emotional experiences of both partners have significant consequences for individual and relational well-being, making infidelity one of the most difficult presenting problems to treat in couple's therapy.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

Forgiveness takes place in small steps with occasional setbacks.

“Therapists must frequently remind clients of the natural course of forgiveness, explaining that it takes place in small steps with occasional setbacks.”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: Forgiveness is often a long and difficult process.