In the early 2010s, research began to shift the treatment and support of betrayed partners away from co-addict and codependency models toward trauma-informed approaches that recognize PTSD-like symptoms. While this shift has increased validation of the betrayed partner’s experience and attention to their trauma, gaps remain in understanding the social, emotional, and physical impacts of their grief and loss.
The purpose of this survey is to explore the grief and loss experienced by betrayed partners, including emotional, physical, and social impacts, along with deficits in support.
The results of this study may contribute to doctoral research and the development of resources to better support betrayed partners.
Definition of grief:
For this survey, grief refers to the emotional response to losses experienced following betrayal and may include shock, disbelief, questioning oneself, anger or rage, sadness, sorrow, longing, and mourning losses related to trust, safety, identity, the relationship, hopes for the future, or understanding of the past.
Eligibility:
You may participate if you are:
18 years of age or older
Have experienced betrayal by a romantic partner (infidelity, deception, or similar)
Are able to read and respond in English
Procedures:
If you agree to participate, you will complete an online survey that includes scaled and open-ended questions about your experiences of grief, loss, and impacts following partner betrayal. The survey will take approximately 20-30 minutes to complete.
Risks and Discomforts:
Some survey questions may bring up difficult emotions and involve recalling distressing or emotional experiences which may feel upsetting and could cause temporary emotional discomfort.
We encourage you to complete this survey when you have access to emotional support, such as a trusted friend, family member, support group, sponsor, therapist, clergy member or other supportive person.
You are encouraged to take breaks. If you begin to experience distressing emotions or feel overwhelmed, please stop immediately, and reach out to your support network.
If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide, self-harm, or are in emotional distress, help is available.
Crisis Support:
If participation in this survey causes significant emotional distress, support is available in the United States 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
-- Call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) for mental health crises or suicidal thoughts.
-- Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Text Line counselor for confidential emotional support.
-- If you are in immediate danger, call 911 or seek emergency medical care.
-- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
-- Your personal therapist or healthcare provider
Benefits:
There may be no direct personal benefit from participating. However, your responses will help researchers better understand grief experiences after partner betrayal and may inform interventions or resources to support others in similar situations.
Confidentiality:
All responses are confidential. Your data will be stored securely on password-protected computers or secure servers. No identifying information (e.g., name, email, IP address) will be linked to your responses in any reports, presentations, or publications. Only the research team will have access to the data.
Compensation:
There is no compensation for participation.
Contact Information:
For questions about the study, your rights as a participant, or concerns about research-related risks, contact MaryAnn Michaelis at maryann@hartrecoveryinstitute.com.
Consent:
By clic