Issues regarding infidelity are examined in terms of antidotes for avoiding unfaithful behavior. Several self-assessment activities are described in which couples can be honest and direct with each other about their perceptions and experiences with commitment and fidelity both as children and adults. These activities are intended to act as booster shots to build antibodies counter to unfaithful behaviors in long-term relationships. The activities can be used as prescriptions by mental health professionals with couples who are considering marriage or who are already married and experiencing concerns about maintaining a long-term, faithful relationship. Throughout the article, references to the closely related notion of commitment are discussed resulting from a survey of individuals' views of commitment in romantic relationships.
Eckstein, D., & Cooke, P. (2005). The seven methods of encouragement for couples . The Family Journal: Counseling and Therapy for Couples and Families, 13, 342-350.
2.
Glass, S. (2003). "Not Just Friends"-Rebuilding trust and recovering your sanity after infidelity. New York: Free Press.
3.
Gottman, J., & Silver, N. (1999). The seven principles for making marriage work: A practical guide from the country's foremost relationship expert. New York: Three Rivers Press.
4.
Love, P., & Stousy, J. (2007). How to improve your marriage without talking about it. New York: Doubleday.
5.
Lusterman, D. (1998). Infidelity: A survival guide. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger.
6.
Nelson, J., Eckstein, D., Kirk, A., & Serres, S. (2007). The couples' commitment interview. Retrieved August 1, 2007, from http://freeonlinesurveys.com/
7.
Ortega, A., & Fleming, M. (2005). The dance of restoration. Chattanooga, TN: Living Ink.
8.
Rasmussen, P., & Kilborne, K. (2007). Sex in intimate relationships: Variations and challenges. In P. Peluso (Ed.), Infidelity: A practioner's guide to working with couples in crisis (pp. 11-31). New York: Taylor & Francis.
9.
Sherwood, J., & Glidwell, J. (1973). Planned renegotiation: A norm setting OD intervention . In J. Jones & J.Pheiffer (Eds.), The 1973 annual handbook for group facilitators (pp. 195-202). La Jolla, CA: University Associates.
10.
Subotnik, R., & Harris, G. (2005). Surviving infidelity. Avon, MA: Adams Media.
