Understanding the Impact of Parent’s Infidelity on Adult Children

2025-03-05

In this episode, I sit down with Melissa Macomber to explore the emotional and psychological impact of parental infidelity on adult children. Melissa shares her personal story of discovering her mother's affair at 13 and the ensuing family dynamics. Now, as a therapist, she highlights the lack of resources for adult children dealing with such betrayal and emphasizes the importance of addressing trust issues and healing – no matter how long it has been since the parental infidelity took place. We discuss the broader implications of infidelity on family re...

We discuss the broader implications of infidelity on family relationships and the unique challenges faced by children at all stages of growing up. Melissa offers valuable insights and resources for those navigating this difficult journey.

To learn more about Melissa and her research, visit MelissaMacomber.com.

Topics Covered in this Episode:

Emotional and psychological impact of parental infidelity on adult children
Personal experiences of discovering a parent's affair
Family dynamics and their evolution post-infidelity
Lack of resources and support for adult children dealing with parental betrayal
Patterns of infidelity in adult relationships stemming from childhood experiences
The importance of addressing feelings of betrayal and trust issues
The role of boundaries in the healing process for adult children
Distinction between forgiveness and rebuilding trust
Challenges faced by adult children in navigating their parents' conflicts
The significance of sharing personal stories and seeking therapy for healing