Objective: Infidelity is a relationship betrayal that can lead to significant negative individual and relational outcomes. When infidelity leads to relationship dissolution, this can further exacerbate these challenges. The purpose of the present study is to develop a grounded theory of the process of healing from infidelity and consequent relationship dissolution for non-straying partners who are emerging adults. Methods: We employed constructivist grounded theory (Charmaz, 2014) to conduct and analyze semi-structured interviews with 22 emerging adults who had experienced infidelity in a dating relationship and were no longer with their former partner. Results: We present a grounded theory of the process of healing from infidelity and breakup for emerging adults consisting of four stages and three interrelated dimensions—emotional, relational, and personal—within a healing context of supportive relationships. Unhelpful contact with the former partner constituted a significant setback to healing. Conclusion: This study builds on previous research about healing from infidelity (O’Connor & Canevello, 2019) and relationship breakup (Hebert & Popadiuk, 2008) for emerging adults and highlights the importance of supportive relationships and attending to emotional, relational, and personal dimensions of healing. Our findings also suggest that clinical assessment and intervention should address these aspects of healing and be informed by elapsed time since infidelity and relationship dissolution.
Background and Objectives
Many persons with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias (ADRD) receive care from paid staff in residential communities. The most common staff in these communities are certified nursing assistants (CNAs). While CNAs have a high number of interactions with residents, and thus the possibility of engaging in social interactions, evidence suggests that they provide limited social support to persons with ADRD. Little is known about attitudes of CNAs towards providing social support to persons with ADRD and their perception of components of quality social interactions with these individuals.
Research Design and Methods
We conducted a thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with 11 CNAs (91% female, mean age 23.6) to understand their perceptions about providing social support to persons with ADRD and the components of effective social interactions.
Results
Our results show that CNAs consider providing social support to be an important part of their role as CNAs. Additionally, participants emphasized the interplay of verbal communication, non-verbal communication, and internal beliefs and attitudes towards persons with ADRD in creating effective social interactions. Participants highlighted multiple barriers to providing residents with social support, including lack of time, lack of training, and the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia.
Discussion and Implications
We offer implications for expanding training for CNAs working with persons with dementia and improving policy based on our results.
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