The lived experience of parental infidelity in adolescence : a retrospective account

Abstract

This qualitative retrospective study aims to explore the lived experience of parental infidelity in adolescence. An interpretative phenomenology approach (IPA) was adopted, and in-depth interviews were carried out with six participants who experienced parental infidelity in their adolescence. Findings were analysed and interpreted using social constructivism, trauma theory, family systems theory and attachment theory. The study revealed that since the parents did not manage to keep the couple’s problems between them, the whole family was directly impacted by the aftermath of the discovery of infidelity. Most of the participants suffered neglect and experienced parentification because of their parents’ coping skills and their propensity to adopt a victimization position. Participants also experienced triangulation and some were also bound to secrecy about family problems. The parent-adolescent relationship was affected by the conflict which resulted from parental infidelity. The trauma impacted the participants’ trust toward others and affected their relationships, particularly romantic relationships in adulthood. Seeking personal therapy and forgiveness were part of the participants’ healing process. Recommendations for future studies and implications for training are presented.