Couple and Family Psychology: Research and Practice, Vol 15(3), Sep 2026, 212-226; doi:10.1037/cfp0000295
This study sought to understand the psychological and relational impact of infidelity in a sample of Colombian college students, their understanding of how this happened in their relationships, and how they coped with the aftermath. Participants were 16 women and five men (Mage = 21.5 years, SD = 2.0). The analytic method was thematic analysis, facilitating the identification of patterns (themes) within the data. Narratives about the relationship before the infidelity revealed patterns of conflict avoidance and gender-based inequality. In their explanations of the context of the infidelity, participants referred to relationship difficulties, gender-based social expectations, double standards about fidelity, and partners’ individual characteristics. Coping responses included both proactive efforts to maintain their well-being (taking care of own needs, seeking friends’ social support) and strategies to avoid dealing with emotions (drug abuse and casual sex). The implications of these findings for college-based relationship education programs are presented. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved)