Thesis Defense - Beyza Kökçü (MSPSYC)

You are cordially invited to join the online M.A. thesis defence by Beyza Kökçü on Wednesday May 25, 2022 at 12:00 am. Thesis title and abstract are below.

The exam can be viewed online from the link below.

Thesis Subject: Adult Children’s Experiences with Parental Infidelity in Childhood

Thesis Advisor : Asst. Prof. Dr. Selenga Gürmen

Selenga Gürmen is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Topic: Beyza Kökçü Thesis Defense Time: May 25, 2022 12:00 PM Istanbul Join Zoom Meeting https://ozyegin-edu-tr.zoom.us/j/92204370278?pwd=alpHZGs3eG9ubnNPVGt6UjNzc3RBZz09 Meeting ID: 922 0437 0278 Passcode: 257814

Abstract:

This qualitative study aims to investigate children's experiences with parental infidelity in their childhood by using the interpersonal trauma perspective as a framework. The sample consisted of ten participants, 3 men, and 7 women. A semi-structured interview was held and it took approximately 60 minutes to complete. The ten participants’ ages ranged from 25 to 30 years. The analysis revealed four main themes and 13 subthemes on two levels: intrapersonal and interpersonal. Three intrapersonal themes and related subthemes were identified, namely 1) growing up before their time, 1a) child as a bridge between parents 1b) emotional parentification 1c) knowledge about parental sexual experience; 2) emotional rollercoaster around parental infidelity 2a) repressed anger 2b) disgust about third-party 2c) fear of resembling parent(s) 3) coping with parental infidelity 3a) social support as a coping strategy 3b) hard to remember details of parental infidelity 3c) normalization of infidelity 3d) try to emotional cut off from offending parent and one interpersonal theme was 4) challenges in romantic relationship 4a) hardship in trusting others  4b) multigenerational transmission of infidelity 4c) selectivity in a romantic partner.

These intrapersonal themes specified the individual's own process in terms of a new adultlike position in the family system, emotional ambivalence around parental infidelity, and the mechanisms they used for dealing with the incidence. Additionally, the interpersonal theme indicated the romantic relationship level for adult children's experiences. The findings of this study provide valuable information for clinical practitioners who work with individuals and couples and families by using a trauma perspective. Future studies can focus more on gender-specific parental infidelity experiences. It can also be investigated by crystalizing parental relationship status after revealed infidelity.

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