The experience of unforgiveness of extramarital infidelity within a Christian context

M.A. (Clinical Psychology)This qualitative phenomenological study explores the experience of unforgiveness of extramarital infidelity within a Christian context. Both unforgiveness and infidelity are topics in the field of psychological research that remain relatively unexplored. Descriptions of the above-mentioned experience were sourced from three participants. In order to extrapolate the essence of their subjective experiences, semi-structured interviews comprised of openended questions were compiled. These interviews were then transcribed and analysed from an interpretive phenomenological analysis. The analysis process resulted in the emergence of themes representing the phenomenon in question. Themes found in this study included those of a difficult emotional experience, loss and grieving, the process of moving from unforgiveness towards forgiveness, and finally, personal growth and spiritual progression. The repercussions experienced by the pressure to forgive also formed an integral part of the study. This research significantly contributes to the field of research in the manner in which it is focused on the relatively unexplored topic of unforgiveness and infidelity. Attention to the topic of forgiveness has the potential to considerably influence how social scientists and psychologist view unforgiveness within psychotherapy as well as within the field of research