Parental Infidelity and Children's Marriages

Paper Summary:

This paper examines the marital perspective instigated in the adult children of marital relationships in which infidelity has occurred. It presents the hypothesis that amongst the potential dysfunctions correlated to parental infidelity, the propensity toward infidelity in the adult child is likely to be higher. The paper looks at the different forms that this dysfunction can take.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Methods
Discussion
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"There is also research available to us which demonstrates the possibility of intervening with the negative and persistent pattern identified in this research. Particularly, Lusterman (2004) suggests something of an insight into the way that parental infidelity renders it ill-effect on the trust mechanisms needed in children for their adult relationships. Thus, Lusterman argues that "treatment must address the impact of the secrecy, which is always part of infidelity, and the boundary violations that occur when a child is directly involved in the infidelity or in its aftermath." (Lusterman, 1439) Only by directly facing up to these effects can it be hoped that child must recognize and extricate one's self from the negative patterns projected in adulthood."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Amato, P.R. & Booth, A. (2001). The legacy of parents' marital discord: consequences for children's marital quality. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 81(4), 627-638.
• Brand, R.J., Markey, C.M., Mills, A. & Hodges, S.D. (2007). Sex differences in self-reported infidelity and its correlates. Sex Roles, 57(1-2), 101-109.
• Greene, K. (2006). Awareness of parental infidelity on college students' reported commitment to romantic relationships. Florida State University. Online at http://etd.lib.fsu.edu/theses/available/etd-11092006-172036/
• Hertlein, K.M. (2006). Two roads diverging in a wood: The current state of infidelity research and treatment. The Haworth Press. Online at http://www.haworthpress.com/store/ArticleAbstract.asp?sid=W85UF19D1BDD8M6V82UPJWHEW9J1BK58&ID=98176
• Hunyady, O., Josephs, L. & Jost, J.T. (2008). Priming the primal scene: betrayal trauma, narcissism, and attitudes toward sexuality. Self and Identity, 7(3), 278-294.

More papers on Parental Infidelity and Children's Marriages:

• Essay # 46222 : "Parents, Caregivers, and Children"
• Essay # 62010 : "Divorce and Children"
• Research Paper # 40471 : "Parental Involvement and Teacher Responses"

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