The current study explored the lived experience of parental infidelity; how individuals make sense of this experience and what its' implications are. Qualitative data were collected from individual, semi-structured interviews with six adult participants. An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis methodology was used and a critical realist epistemological stance was taken. Analyses revealed findings of four master themes: adultification, challenges in romantic relationships, the psychological experience and the pathway to healing. These master themes were subcategorized into super-ordinate themes as follows: adultificationbecoming an emotional carer and awareness of parental sexuality, challenges in romantic relationshipsfear of abandonment and relationship breakdown, intergenerational transmission of infidelity and differentiation, the psychological experiencean everlasting pain, the sense of self and loss: detachment and disconnection, the pathway to healingrestoration through destruction, perspective: intellectualization and understanding and honesty and openness. Theoretical, research and clinical implications alongside limitations and ideas for future research are discussed.
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