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Partner Infidelity and the Decision to Forgive

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Partner infidelity and the decision to forgive
Many long-lasting romantic relationships are constantly threatened by sexual and emotional infidelities. A person that has been betrayed by his or her partner is faced with a difficult decision of whether to forgive or to terminate the relationship. The effect of aspects of infidelity on likelihood of forgiveness or breakup partly depends on sex differences.
Both sexes can be devastated by partner’s infidelity. Unpleasant emotions like anger, depression and jealousy are felt by the betrayed partner upon discovering the infidelity (Buss, 2000; Lawson, 1988).
A study of 160 cultures found out that infidelity is the most frequent reason for dissolution of relationship ( Betzig, 1989).
However, not all couples breakup upon discovering an infidelity. Some forgive their partners and continue with the relationship ( Lawson, 1988).
It is important to know the conditions under which betrayal in relationships lead to breakups or forgiveness. However, little empirical work has been done in exploring this critical issue, although some related researches have attempted to explain strategies to deal with jealousy and suspicions of infidelity. For example, Buunk (1981) found out four strategies that couples may use to cope with jealousy such as improving communication and being independent of the partner. White and Mullen (1989) found out that people use eight strategies to cope with jealousy : investing in the main relationship, coming up with alternatives, assessing oneself, looking for social support, demanding commitment, interfering the competing relationship and derogating the partner.
The nature of infidelity is one of the factors that lead to the complex decision to forgive or discontinue with the relationship. This was suggested by a study guided by an evolutionary perspective ( Buss

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