Abstract
M.A. (Clinical Psychology)
This qualitative phenomenological study explores the experience of unforgiveness of
extramarital infidelity within a Christian context. Both unforgiveness and infidelity are topics
in the field of psychological research that remain relatively unexplored. Descriptions of the
above-mentioned experience were sourced from three participants. In order to extrapolate
the essence of their subjective experiences, semi-structured interviews comprised of openended
questions were compiled. These interviews were then transcribed and analysed from
an interpretive phenomenological analysis. The analysis process resulted in the emergence
of themes representing the phenomenon in question. Themes found in this study included
those of a difficult emotional experience, loss and grieving, the process of moving from
unforgiveness towards forgiveness, and finally, personal growth and spiritual progression.
The repercussions experienced by the pressure to forgive also formed an integral part of the
study. This research significantly contributes to the field of research in the manner in which it
is focused on the relatively unexplored topic of unforgiveness and infidelity. Attention to the
topic of forgiveness has the potential to considerably influence how social scientists and
psychologist view unforgiveness within psychotherapy as well as within the field of research.