Infidelity may make marriages stronger

Couples who come through bouts of infidelity may emerge stronger than before.

That is the conclusion of Dr Andreas Vossler of the Open University and Dr Naomi Moller of the University of the West of England Bristol, who lead a study into the "aftermath" of infidelity.

Presenting the team's research findings at an annual counselling conference held in London this weekend, Dr Andreas Vossler said: "While there is quite a bit of research on why and when individuals engage in infidelity, there is little on how couples deal with the aftermath.

"There is also a lack of research about the best ways to work therapeutically with infidelity."

Working alongside counsellors from relationship specialist Relate, he said his team discovered that couples who manage to cope with the revelation of a secret affair will enter several emotional stages.

Most notably, he reveals, that cheated spouses who forgive and rebuild trust following infidelity are likely to experience a positive change in the quality of their relationship.

Earlier this year, former England captain John Terry's wife Toni forgave him for playing away from home, as did Take That star Mark Owen's wife Emma.

Posted by Bob Freeman

Category: Married dating strategy

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