Infidelity is associated with negative effects on couples' relationships, yet some couples are able to overcome these and rebuild their relationship. Few studies have examined this process for couples who stay together after an affair. With a sample of 18 individuals (nine couples), this study explored similarities and differences between injured (i.e., partner who did not have the affair) and involved (i.e., partner who had the affair) partners' experiences across three categories of affair recovery: (a) commitment to the relationship, (b) dimensions of the attachment bond, and (c) healing process. Thematic analysis revealed similarities amongst both partners across categories: (a) frequent and quality communication, (b) mechanisms for rebuilding safety and trust, and (c) the importance of forgiveness. However, partners' experiences varied regarding (a) responses to needs for comfort, (b) their sexual relationship, and (c) responding to reminders. A discussion of these key findings and clinical implications are included.

中文翻译：

---

外遇恢复：探索受伤和参与合作伙伴的异同

不忠与对夫妻关系的负面影响有关，但有些夫妻能够克服这些并重建他们的关系。很少有研究针对出轨后继续在一起的夫妻研究这一过程。以 18 个人（9 对夫妇）为样本，本研究探讨了受伤（即没有外遇的伴侣）和参与（即有外遇的伴侣）伴侣在三类外遇恢复中的经历之间的异同：（a）对关系的承诺，（b）依恋关系的维度，以及（c）愈合过程。主题分析揭示了两个合作伙伴在不同类别中的相似之处：(a) 频繁和高质量的沟通，(b) 重建安全和信任的机制，以及 (c) 宽恕的重要性。但是，合作伙伴的 关于 (a) 对舒适需求的反应，(b) 他们的性关系，以及 (c) 对提醒的反应，经验各不相同。包括对这些关键发现和临床意义的讨论。