Overcoming Infidelity in Christian Marriages: Strategies for Healing and Rebuilding Trust in the Marriage
Abstract:
Infidelity poses a significant challenge to marital satisfaction and relational stability, particularly in Christian marriages where faithfulness is a central value. This study examined strategies for healing and rebuilding trust in Christian marriages affected by infidelity, focusing on relational, emotional, and spiritual interventions. A mixed-methods approach was employed, involving a survey of 150 individuals (75 couples) and semi-structured interviews with 30 participants (15 couples). Hierarchical regression analysis revealed that relational strategies, emotional coping mechanisms, and spiritual practices each significantly predicted marital satisfaction, with relational strategies having the strongest impact. Qualitative findings highlighted the importance of open communication, forgiveness, emotional support, prayer, and pastoral counseling in facilitating trust restoration and relational healing. The study underscores the need for multidimensional interventions that integrate relational, emotional, and spiritual strategies to enhance marital satisfaction and resilience in Christian marriages.
KeyWords:
Infidelity, Marital Satisfaction, Trust Rebuilding, Christian Marriages, Healing Strategies
References:
- Amah, E. (2018). The impact of organizational culture on employee performance: Evidence from the Nigerian banking sector. International Journal of Business and Management, 13(3), 141–152. https://doi.org/10.5539/ijbm.v13n3p141
- Aryee, S., Walumbwa, F. O., Seidu, E. Y. M., & Otaye, L. E. (2016). Developing and leveraging human capital resource to enhance performance: Test of a theory-driven model. Journal of Management, 42(6), 1755–1788. https://doi.org/10.1177/0149206314543474
- Bass, B. M., & Avolio, B. J. (1994). Improving organizational effectiveness through transformational leadership. Sage Publications.
- Cameron, K. S., & Quinn, R. E. (2011). Diagnosing and changing organizational culture: Based on the competing values framework (3rd ed.). Jossey-Bass.
- Deal, T. E., & Kennedy, A. A. (2000). Corporate cultures: The rites and rituals of corporate life. Basic Books.
- Denison, D. R. (1990). Corporate culture and organizational effectiveness. Wiley.
- Jain, A. K., & Duggal, S. (2019). Impact of work environment on employee performance: A study of FMCG sector. International Journal of Management Studies, 6(3), 44–54.
- Lau, C. M., & Ngo, H. Y. (2004). The HR system, organizational culture, and product innovation. International Business Review, 13(6), 685–703. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ibusrev.2004.04.004
- Mensah, A. O., & Oteng-Abayie, E. F. (2019). Leadership style and organizational performance: Empirical evidence from Ghanaian organizations. Journal of African Business, 20(3), 393–412. https://doi.org/10.1080/15228916.2018.1489345
- Meyer, J. P., & Allen, N. J. (1997). Commitment in the workplace: Theory, research, and application. Sage Publications.
- Mullins, L. J. (2016). Management and organizational behavior (11th ed.). Pearson Education.
- Ng, T. W. H., & Feldman, D. C. (2014). Organizational climate and employee voice behavior: A meta-analytic review. Journal of Organizational Behavior, 35(6), 695–718. https://doi.org/10.1002/job.1912
- Obisi, C. (2001). Managing organizational culture for effective performance in Nigerian organizations. Journal of Management Development, 20(8), 559–572. https://doi.org/10.1108/EUM0000000006153
- Schneider, B., Ehrhart, M. G., & Macey, W. H. (2013). Organizational climate and culture. Annual Review of Psychology, 64, 361–388. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-psych-113011-143809
- Yukl, G. (2013). Leadership in organizations (8th ed.). Pearson Education.
- Zhao, S., Wayne, S. J., Glibkowski, B. C., & Bravo, J. (2007). The impact of psychological contract breach on work-related outcomes: A meta-analysis. Personnel Psychology, 60(3), 647–680. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1744-6570.2007.00087.x