EXPERIENCE AND PERCEPTION OF SELF, GENDER ROLES AND ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIPS AMONG INDIVIDUALS WITH PARENTAL INFIDELITY

Abstract

The study was conducted to investigate the impact of parental infidelity on an individual’s self-perception, romantic relationships and gender roles. This was a qualitative study in which semi-structured interviews were conducted with six participants. The participants’ information was analyzed through IPA method. The findings suggested that most of the participants had a strong impact on their self, romantic relationship, and their view on gender roles as a result of parental infidelity. The study illustrates that there is a direct correlation between parental infidelity and an individual’s perception of self. The study further explains that individuals' romantic relationships are affected when they distress their potential partners. Moreover, some participants expressed how parental infidelity led them to have a shift in their view of gender roles.

These results help us understand that parental fidelity is not just a couple's matter; it also affects an individual and the entire family. The findings of the study show that most individuals have recovered from the trauma of past experiences due to parental infidelity. These experiences had a positive impact on some participants, making a path for them to have a better future.