Should couples stay together after infidelity? What does the research profess?
The American Psychological Association estimates that in Western cultures, more than 90 percent of people marry by age 50. It is argued that healthy marriages are good for couples’ mental and physical health, and that they may be good for children (i.e., growing up in a happy home may protect children from mental, physical, educational, and social problems). However, about 40 to 50 percent of married couples in the United States divorce. The divorce rate for subsequent marriages is even higher. (Marriage and divorce. (n.d.). Retrieved February 22, 2021, from https://www.apa.org/topics/divorce-child-custody)
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, both marriage and divorce rates in the United States declined from 2009 to 2019 but rates vary from state to state.
In 2019, there were 16.3 new marriages for every 1,000 women age 15 and over in the United States, down from 17.6 in 2009.
At the same time, the U.S. divorce rate fell from 9.7 new divorces per 1,000 women age 15 and over in 2009 to 7.6 in 2019.
Sexual infidelity occurs with high frequency within the general U.S. population. The adverse individual as well as relationship consequences of infidelity are well documented. For persons recently learning of their partner’s affair, research demonstrates a broad range of negative emotional and behavioral effects including partner violence, depression, suicidal ideation, acute anxiety, and symptoms similar to posttraumatic stress disorder. Among persons having participated in an affair, similar reactions of depression, suicidality, and acute anxiety are also common effects, particularly when disclosure or discovery of infidelity results in marital separation or threats of divorce. Even still, some experts say it is possible for couples to go on to have a happy relationship after infidelity, provided they’re willing to put in the work.
Step 1: Consider the following question: Should couples stay together after infidelity? What does the research profess?
Review the scholarly literature and find one article that answers the question above.
Step 2: In a post, (300-500 words), provide the full APA formatted citation of the article that you selected and in your own words, summarize the findings of the article. Discuss whether you agree with the article or not.