[Solved] A-7 MC

Assignment Prompt & Instructions

Follow all the uploaded instructions

**files (7)**

– ## ResearchPaperFinalAssignmentInstructions.docx

– ## ResearchPaper-FinalGradingRubric.pdf

– ## Module2-FinalAssignmentRevised-ResearchPaperTopicAssignment.docx

– Module5-FinalResearchPaperOutlineAssignment.docx
– WatchTranscript-Dr.GaryChapmanonTheFiveLoveLanguagesofApology.pdf
– Reading-ChapmanG.2024.The5lovelanguages4thed..NorthfieldPublishing.Chapt.4-6.pdf
– Sample-Paper-APA-7th-professional-version-FINAL-051220201.pdf

**## ResearchPaperFinalAssignmentInstructions.docx**

EDCO 811

**Research Paper: Final Assignment Instructions**

**Overview**

Based on your approved topic and your outline, write a comprehensive research paper that allows you to demonstrate your mastery of the material that we have studied. You have been exposed to the different counseling theories and will now demonstrate your ability to implement your studies into your practice. See the instructions for the parameters of your paper below.

**Instruction Requirements**

1. Addresses and reflects the chosen/approved topic.

2. Demonstrates a thorough presentation/progression of the subject matter.

3. Integrate theoretical and clinical counseling principles.

4. Integrate biblical principles.

5. Provide a minimum of 10 references from current sources, 8 of which are peer-reviewed research (including textbooks) or journal articles.

6. Suggested scope is 15 pages (not including Title Page, Abstract, and References).

7. Follow current APA format, including double-spaced content. Ensure that each citation has a corresponding reference (and vis-versa).

8. Note that an abstract is a summation of your research, not an introduction to it. Abstracts are best formulated with your paper is finished.

9. Use clear and concise language with correct grammar and structure.

Note: Your assignment will be checked for originality via the Turnitin plagiarism tool.

**## ResearchPaper-FinalGradingRubric.pdf**

Criteria Ratings Points

Content 105 to >96 pts

Advanced

Thesis statement is
clearly identifiable and
strongly presented. It
provides a clear
overview of the paper’s
contents. All
components as
described in the
assignment have been
thoroughly addressed.
Assertions are relevant
and properly supported
by evidence. The
conclusion offers a
good summary of
issues treated in the
paper and offers
practical application.
Sources are scholarly,
high-quality, and
relevant. They are
critically evaluated and
correctly utilized. All
required elements are
included and presented
with strong headings
and organizational
clarity. There are clear
transitions between
paragraphs and
sections. The
treatment of the topic is
logically oriented. The
paper meets the page
length requirement.
The paper meets the
reference requirement.

96 to >87 pts

Proficient

Thesis statement is
identifiable and
presented. It
provides an
overview of the
paper’s contents.
All components as
described in the
assignment have
been addressed.
Assertions are
mostly relevant and
mostly supported by
evidence. The
conclusion offers a
summary of issues
treated in the paper
and offers
application.
Sources are
scholarly and
relevant. They are
evaluated and
utilized. All required
elements are
included and
organized. There
are transitions
between paragraphs
and sections. The
treatment of the
topic is logically
oriented. The paper
meets the page
length requirement
or comes very close.
The paper meets
the reference
requirement or
comes very close.

87 to >79 pts

Developing

Thesis statement is
identifiable but
needs
improvement.
Most components
as described in the
assignment have
been addressed, or
all components are
present but need
improvement.
Some assertions
are relevant and
supported by
evidence. The
conclusion may
need improvement.
Most sources are
scholarly and most
are relevant. Most
are evaluated and
utilized. Most
required elements
are included and
are mostly
organized. Most
paragraphs and
sections have
transitions. The
logical treatment of
the topic needs
improvement. The
paper may not
meet the page
length requirement.
The paper may not
meet the reference
requirement.

79 to >0 pts

Below
Expectations

Thesis
statement is not
identifiable
and/or does not
provide an
overview of the
paper’s
contents. Few
components as
described in the
assignment
have been
addressed, or
all components
are missing.
The conclusion
is weak or is not
present in the
paper. Few or
no sources are
scholarly or
relevant. Few or
none are
evaluated and
utilized. Few or
no required
elements are
included. Few
or no transitions
exist between
paragraphs and
sections. There
may not be a
logical
treatment of the
topic. The paper
does not meet
the reference
requirement.

0 pts

Not
Present

/ 105
pts

Research Paper: Final Grading Rubric | EDCO811_D01_202630

Criteria Ratings Points

Mechanics 45 to >41 pts

Advanced

Student demonstrated
exemplary grammar,
diction and APA
formatting.

41 to >37 pts

Proficient

Student
demonstrated
appropriate
grammar, diction
and APA formatting.

37 to >33 pts

Developing

Student
demonstrated
average quality
grammar, diction
and APA
formatting.

33 to >0 pts

Below
Expectations

Student
demonstrated
poor grammar,
diction and APA
formatting.

0 pts

Not
Present

/ 45
pts

Total Points: –

Research Paper: Final Grading Rubric | EDCO811_D01_202630

**## Module2-FinalAssignmentRevised-ResearchPaperTopicAssignment.docx**

1

**Repairing Trust After Disclosed Marital Infidelity: A Comparison of Accountability, Emotional Safety, Acceptance, and Relational Decision Making in Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy and Gottman Method Couple Therapy**

Abraham De La Cruz

School of Behavioral Sciences, Liberty University

**Author Note**

Abraham De La Cruz is a doctoral student in the Community Care and Counseling program at Liberty University.

I have no known conflict of interest to disclose.

Correspondence concerning this paper should be addressed to Abraham De La Cruz, School of Behavioral Sciences, Liberty University.

**Repairing Trust After Disclosed Marital Infidelity: A Comparison of Accountability, Emotional Safety, Acceptance, and Relational Decision Making in Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy and Gottman Method Couple Therapy**

**Category 4:** Infidelity and affairs.

**Topic:** A comparative analysis of how Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy and Gottman Method Couple Therapy address accountability, emotional safety, acceptance, and relational decision-making during trust repair after disclosed marital infidelity.

**Thesis Statement:** Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy and Gottman Method Couple Therapy offer complementary but distinct pathways for repairing trust after disclosed marital infidelity to promote emotional safety, informed relational decision making, and sustainable trust repair: the former develops emotional acceptance, empathic understanding, and targeted behavior change, whereas the latter strengthens accountability, transparency, conflict regulation, and renewed commitment.

**Rationale**

Infidelity in marriage is a topic that should be studied in detail since it interferes with trust, attachment security, and patterns of conflict and shared meaning between the couple. To get the paper out of the general discussion, a smaller comparison of two counseling approaches will help discuss how counselors organize recovery. Doss et al. (2022) point to integrative behavioral couple therapy as an established intervention for couple distress; it is appropriate to study acceptance, behavior change, and emotional reengagement following betrayal. Moreover, Gottman Method Couple Therapy has demonstrated the potential to recover from an affair, particularly in trust, conflict management, and relational satisfaction (Irvine et al., 2023). This analogy is important as counselors have to strike a balance between accountability and emotional safety. Couple healing literature focuses on meaning-making and deliberate rebuilding relationships after infidelity (Fife et al., 2023), whereas trust repair literature underlines transparency, responsiveness, and consistent behavioral evidence (Giacobbi & Lalot, 2025). Besides, therapists outline infidelity work as a clinically complicated one since couples usually come to the counseling with ambivalence and severe distress in relationships (O'Rourke et al., 2025). Injured partners also define recovery as a decision-making process that involves being clear, safe, and relational over time (Mitchell et al., 2026). Thus, the topic is applicable to marital counseling in the context of a marital crisis and two organized methods of responsible healing.

**References**

Doss, B. D., Roddy, M. K., Wiebe, S. A., & Johnson, S. M. (2022). A review of the research during 2010–2019 on evidence‐based treatments for couple relationship distress.
_Journal of marital and family therapy_,
_48_(1), 283–306.
[https://doi.org/10.1111/jmft.12552](https://doi.org/10.1111/jmft.12552)

Fife, S. T., Gossner, J. D., Theobald, A., Allen, E., Rivero, A., & Koehl, H. (2023). Couple healing from infidelity: A grounded theory study.
_Journal of Social and Personal Relationships_,
_40_(12), 3882–3905.
[https://doi.org/10.1177/02654075231177874](https://doi.org/10.1177/02654075231177874)

Giacobbi, M., & Lalot, F. (2025). Unpacking trust repair in couples: A systematic literature review.
_Journal of Family Therapy_,
_47_(1), e12483.
[https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-6427.12483](https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-6427.12483)

Irvine, T. J., Peluso, P. R., Benson, K., Cole, C., Cole, D., Gottman, J. M., & Schwartz Gottman, J. (2024). A pilot study examining the effectiveness of Gottman method couples therapy over treatment-as-usual approaches for treating couples dealing with infidelity.
_The Family Journal_,
_32_(1), 81–94.
[https://doi.org/10.1177/10664807231210123](https://doi.org/10.1177/10664807231210123)

Mitchell, E. A., Brown, K. S., Spencer, J., & Harris, K. (2026). Staying Together After Infidelity: An Exploration of the Decision‐Making Process of Recovery From the Perspective of the Injured Partner.
_Journal of Marital and Family Therapy_,
_52_(1), e70110.
[https://doi.org/10.1111/jmft.70110](https://doi.org/10.1111/jmft.70110)

O’Rourke, V., McElvaney, R., & Kirrane, M. (2025). Grappling with infidelity: The experiences of therapists.
_Journal of Couple & Relationship Therapy_,
_24_(1), 24–48.
[https://doi.org/10.1080/15332691.2024.2391965](https://doi.org/10.1080/15332691.2024.2391965)

**Module5-FinalResearchPaperOutlineAssignment.docx**

This file is too large to display. [View in new window](https://www.sweetstudy.com/files/module5-finalresearchpaperoutlineassignment-docx)

**WatchTranscript-Dr.GaryChapmanonTheFiveLoveLanguagesofApology.pdf**

This file is too large to display. [View in new window](https://www.sweetstudy.com/files/watchtranscript-dr-garychapmanonthefivelovelanguagesofapology-pdf)

**Reading-ChapmanG.2024.The5lovelanguages4thed..NorthfieldPublishing.Chapt.4-6.pdf**

This file is too large to display. [View in new window](https://www.sweetstudy.com/files/reading-chapmang-2024-the5lovelanguages4thed-northfieldpublishing-chapt-4-6-pdf)

**Sample-Paper-APA-7th-professional-version-FINAL-051220201.pdf**

This file is too large to display. [View in new window](https://www.sweetstudy.com/files/sample-paper-apa-7th-professional-version-final-051220201-pdf-10582901)

**Sample-Paper-APA-7th-professional-version-FINAL-051220201.pdf**

This file is too large to display. [View in new window](https://www.sweetstudy.com/files/sample-paper-apa-7th-professional-version-final-051220201-pdf-10582901)

**## ResearchPaperFinalAssignmentInstructions.docx**

EDCO 811

**Research Paper: Final Assignment Instructions**

**Overview**

Based on your approved topic and your outline, write a comprehensive research paper that allows you to demonstrate your mastery of the material that we have studied. You have been exposed to the different counseling theories and will now demonstrate your ability to implement your studies into your practice. See the instructions for the parameters of your paper below.

**Instruction Requirements**

1. Addresses and reflects the chosen/approved topic.

2. Demonstrates a thorough presentation/progression of the subject matter.

3. Integrate theoretical and clinical counseling principles.

4. Integrate biblical principles.

5. Provide a minimum of 10 references from current sources, 8 of which are peer-reviewed research (including textbooks) or journal articles.

6. Suggested scope is 15 pages (not including Title Page, Abstract, and References).

7. Follow current APA format, including double-spaced content. Ensure that each citation has a corresponding reference (and vis-versa).

8. Note that an abstract is a summation of your research, not an introduction to it. Abstracts are best formulated with your paper is finished.

9. Use clear and concise language with correct grammar and structure.

Note: Your assignment will be checked for originality via the Turnitin plagiarism tool.

**## ResearchPaper-FinalGradingRubric.pdf**

Criteria Ratings Points

Content 105 to >96 pts

Advanced

Thesis statement is
clearly identifiable and
strongly presented. It
provides a clear
overview of the paper’s
contents. All
components as
described in the
assignment have been
thoroughly addressed.
Assertions are relevant
and properly supported
by evidence. The
conclusion offers a
good summary of
issues treated in the
paper and offers
practical application.
Sources are scholarly,
high-quality, and
relevant. They are
critically evaluated and
correctly utilized. All
required elements are
included and presented
with strong headings
and organizational
clarity. There are clear
transitions between
paragraphs and
sections. The
treatment of the topic is
logically oriented. The
paper meets the page
length requirement.
The paper meets the
reference requirement.

96 to >87 pts

Proficient

Thesis statement is
identifiable and
presented. It
provides an
overview of the
paper’s contents.
All components as
described in the
assignment have
been addressed.
Assertions are
mostly relevant and
mostly supported by
evidence. The
conclusion offers a
summary of issues
treated in the paper
and offers
application.
Sources are
scholarly and
relevant. They are
evaluated and
utilized. All required
elements are
included and
organized. There
are transitions
between paragraphs
and sections. The
treatment of the
topic is logically
oriented. The paper
meets the page
length requirement
or comes very close.
The paper meets
the reference
requirement or
comes very close.

87 to >79 pts

Developing

Thesis statement is
identifiable but
needs
improvement.
Most components
as described in the
assignment have
been addressed, or
all components are
present but need
improvement.
Some assertions
are relevant and
supported by
evidence. The
conclusion may
need improvement.
Most sources are
scholarly and most
are relevant. Most
are evaluated and
utilized. Most
required elements
are included and
are mostly
organized. Most
paragraphs and
sections have
transitions. The
logical treatment of
the topic needs
improvement. The
paper may not
meet the page
length requirement.
The paper may not
meet the reference
requirement.

79 to >0 pts

Below
Expectations

Thesis
statement is not
identifiable
and/or does not
provide an
overview of the
paper’s
contents. Few
components as
described in the
assignment
have been
addressed, or
all components
are missing.
The conclusion
is weak or is not
present in the
paper. Few or
no sources are
scholarly or
relevant. Few or
none are
evaluated and
utilized. Few or
no required
elements are
included. Few
or no transitions
exist between
paragraphs and
sections. There
may not be a
logical
treatment of the
topic. The paper
does not meet
the reference
requirement.

0 pts

Not
Present

/ 105
pts

Research Paper: Final Grading Rubric | EDCO811_D01_202630

Criteria Ratings Points

Mechanics 45 to >41 pts

Advanced

Student demonstrated
exemplary grammar,
diction and APA
formatting.

41 to >37 pts

Proficient

Student
demonstrated
appropriate
grammar, diction
and APA formatting.

37 to >33 pts

Developing

Student
demonstrated
average quality
grammar, diction
and APA
formatting.

33 to >0 pts

Below
Expectations

Student
demonstrated
poor grammar,
diction and APA
formatting.

0 pts

Not
Present

/ 45
pts

Total Points: –

Research Paper: Final Grading Rubric | EDCO811_D01_202630

**## Module2-FinalAssignmentRevised-ResearchPaperTopicAssignment.docx**

1

**Repairing Trust After Disclosed Marital Infidelity: A Comparison of Accountability, Emotional Safety, Acceptance, and Relational Decision Making in Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy and Gottman Method Couple Therapy**

Abraham De La Cruz

School of Behavioral Sciences, Liberty University

**Author Note**

Abraham De La Cruz is a doctoral student in the Community Care and Counseling program at Liberty University.

I have no known conflict of interest to disclose.

Correspondence concerning this paper should be addressed to Abraham De La Cruz, School of Behavioral Sciences, Liberty University.

**Repairing Trust After Disclosed Marital Infidelity: A Comparison of Accountability, Emotional Safety, Acceptance, and Relational Decision Making in Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy and Gottman Method Couple Therapy**

**Category 4:** Infidelity and affairs.

**Topic:** A comparative analysis of how Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy and Gottman Method Couple Therapy address accountability, emotional safety, acceptance, and relational decision-making during trust repair after disclosed marital infidelity.

**Thesis Statement:** Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy and Gottman Method Couple Therapy offer complementary but distinct pathways for repairing trust after disclosed marital infidelity to promote emotional safety, informed relational decision making, and sustainable trust repair: the former develops emotional acceptance, empathic understanding, and targeted behavior change, whereas the latter strengthens accountability, transparency, conflict regulation, and renewed commitment.

**Rationale**

Infidelity in marriage is a topic that should be studied in detail since it interferes with trust, attachment security, and patterns of conflict and shared meaning between the couple. To get the paper out of the general discussion, a smaller comparison of two counseling approaches will help discuss how counselors organize recovery. Doss et al. (2022) point to integrative behavioral couple therapy as an established intervention for couple distress; it is appropriate to study acceptance, behavior change, and emotional reengagement following betrayal. Moreover, Gottman Method Couple Therapy has demonstrated the potential to recover from an affair, particularly in trust, conflict management, and relational satisfaction (Irvine et al., 2023). This analogy is important as counselors have to strike a balance between accountability and emotional safety. Couple healing literature focuses on meaning-making and deliberate rebuilding relationships after infidelity (Fife et al., 2023), whereas trust repair literature underlines transparency, responsiveness, and consistent behavioral evidence (Giacobbi & Lalot, 2025). Besides, therapists outline infidelity work as a clinically complicated one since couples usually come to the counseling with ambivalence and severe distress in relationships (O'Rourke et al., 2025). Injured partners also define recovery as a decision-making process that involves being clear, safe, and relational over time (Mitchell et al., 2026). Thus, the topic is applicable to marital counseling in the context of a marital crisis and two organized methods of responsible healing.

**References**

Doss, B. D., Roddy, M. K., Wiebe, S. A., & Johnson, S. M. (2022). A review of the research during 2010–2019 on evidence‐based treatments for couple relationship distress.
_Journal of marital and family therapy_,
_48_(1), 283–306.
[https://doi.org/10.1111/jmft.12552](https://doi.org/10.1111/jmft.12552)

Fife, S. T., Gossner, J. D., Theobald, A., Allen, E., Rivero, A., & Koehl, H. (2023). Couple healing from infidelity: A grounded theory study.
_Journal of Social and Personal Relationships_,
_40_(12), 3882–3905.
[https://doi.org/10.1177/02654075231177874](https://doi.org/10.1177/02654075231177874)

Giacobbi, M., & Lalot, F. (2025). Unpacking trust repair in couples: A systematic literature review.
_Journal of Family Therapy_,
_47_(1), e12483.
[https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-6427.12483](https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-6427.12483)

Irvine, T. J., Peluso, P. R., Benson, K., Cole, C., Cole, D., Gottman, J. M., & Schwartz Gottman, J. (2024). A pilot study examining the effectiveness of Gottman method couples therapy over treatment-as-usual approaches for treating couples dealing with infidelity.
_The Family Journal_,
_32_(1), 81–94.
[https://doi.org/10.1177/10664807231210123](https://doi.org/10.1177/10664807231210123)

Mitchell, E. A., Brown, K. S., Spencer, J., & Harris, K. (2026). Staying Together After Infidelity: An Exploration of the Decision‐Making Process of Recovery From the Perspective of the Injured Partner.
_Journal of Marital and Family Therapy_,
_52_(1), e70110.
[https://doi.org/10.1111/jmft.70110](https://doi.org/10.1111/jmft.70110)

O’Rourke, V., McElvaney, R., & Kirrane, M. (2025). Grappling with infidelity: The experiences of therapists.
_Journal of Couple & Relationship Therapy_,
_24_(1), 24–48.
[https://doi.org/10.1080/15332691.2024.2391965](https://doi.org/10.1080/15332691.2024.2391965)

**Module5-FinalResearchPaperOutlineAssignment.docx**

This file is too large to display. [View in new window](https://www.sweetstudy.com/files/module5-finalresearchpaperoutlineassignment-docx)

**WatchTranscript-Dr.GaryChapmanonTheFiveLoveLanguagesofApology.pdf**

This file is too large to display. [View in new window](https://www.sweetstudy.com/files/watchtranscript-dr-garychapmanonthefivelovelanguagesofapology-pdf)

**Reading-ChapmanG.2024.The5lovelanguages4thed..NorthfieldPublishing.Chapt.4-6.pdf**

This file is too large to display. [View in new window](https://www.sweetstudy.com/files/reading-chapmang-2024-the5lovelanguages4thed-northfieldpublishing-chapt-4-6-pdf)

**Sample-Paper-APA-7th-professional-version-FINAL-051220201.pdf**

This file is too large to display. [View in new window](https://www.sweetstudy.com/files/sample-paper-apa-7th-professional-version-final-051220201-pdf-10582901)

**## ResearchPaperFinalAssignmentInstructions.docx**

EDCO 811

**Research Paper: Final Assignment Instructions**

**Overview**

Based on your approved topic and your outline, write a comprehensive research paper that allows you to demonstrate your mastery of the material that we have studied. You have been exposed to the different counseling theories and will now demonstrate your ability to implement your studies into your practice. See the instructions for the parameters of your paper below.

**Instruction Requirements**

1. Addresses and reflects the chosen/approved topic.

2. Demonstrates a thorough presentation/progression of the subject matter.

3. Integrate theoretical and clinical counseling principles.

4. Integrate biblical principles.

5. Provide a minimum of 10 references from current sources, 8 of which are peer-reviewed research (including textbooks) or journal articles.

6. Suggested scope is 15 pages (not including Title Page, Abstract, and References).

7. Follow current APA format, including double-spaced content. Ensure that each citation has a corresponding reference (and vis-versa).

8. Note that an abstract is a summation of your research, not an introduction to it. Abstracts are best formulated with your paper is finished.

9. Use clear and concise language with correct grammar and structure.

Note: Your assignment will be checked for originality via the Turnitin plagiarism tool.

**## ResearchPaper-FinalGradingRubric.pdf**

Criteria Ratings Points

Content 105 to >96 pts

Advanced

Thesis statement is
clearly identifiable and
strongly presented. It
provides a clear
overview of the paper’s
contents. All
components as
described in the
assignment have been
thoroughly addressed.
Assertions are relevant
and properly supported
by evidence. The
conclusion offers a
good summary of
issues treated in the
paper and offers
practical application.
Sources are scholarly,
high-quality, and
relevant. They are
critically evaluated and
correctly utilized. All
required elements are
included and presented
with strong headings
and organizational
clarity. There are clear
transitions between
paragraphs and
sections. The
treatment of the topic is
logically oriented. The
paper meets the page
length requirement.
The paper meets the
reference requirement.

96 to >87 pts

Proficient

Thesis statement is
identifiable and
presented. It
provides an
overview of the
paper’s contents.
All components as
described in the
assignment have
been addressed.
Assertions are
mostly relevant and
mostly supported by
evidence. The
conclusion offers a
summary of issues
treated in the paper
and offers
application.
Sources are
scholarly and
relevant. They are
evaluated and
utilized. All required
elements are
included and
organized. There
are transitions
between paragraphs
and sections. The
treatment of the
topic is logically
oriented. The paper
meets the page
length requirement
or comes very close.
The paper meets
the reference
requirement or
comes very close.

87 to >79 pts

Developing

Thesis statement is
identifiable but
needs
improvement.
Most components
as described in the
assignment have
been addressed, or
all components are
present but need
improvement.
Some assertions
are relevant and
supported by
evidence. The
conclusion may
need improvement.
Most sources are
scholarly and most
are relevant. Most
are evaluated and
utilized. Most
required elements
are included and
are mostly
organized. Most
paragraphs and
sections have
transitions. The
logical treatment of
the topic needs
improvement. The
paper may not
meet the page
length requirement.
The paper may not
meet the reference
requirement.

79 to >0 pts

Below
Expectations

Thesis
statement is not
identifiable
and/or does not
provide an
overview of the
paper’s
contents. Few
components as
described in the
assignment
have been
addressed, or
all components
are missing.
The conclusion
is weak or is not
present in the
paper. Few or
no sources are
scholarly or
relevant. Few or
none are
evaluated and
utilized. Few or
no required
elements are
included. Few
or no transitions
exist between
paragraphs and
sections. There
may not be a
logical
treatment of the
topic. The paper
does not meet
the reference
requirement.

0 pts

Not
Present

/ 105
pts

Research Paper: Final Grading Rubric | EDCO811_D01_202630

Criteria Ratings Points

Mechanics 45 to >41 pts

Advanced

Student demonstrated
exemplary grammar,
diction and APA
formatting.

41 to >37 pts

Proficient

Student
demonstrated
appropriate
grammar, diction
and APA formatting.

37 to >33 pts

Developing

Student
demonstrated
average quality
grammar, diction
and APA
formatting.

33 to >0 pts

Below
Expectations

Student
demonstrated
poor grammar,
diction and APA
formatting.

0 pts

Not
Present

/ 45
pts

Total Points: –

Research Paper: Final Grading Rubric | EDCO811_D01_202630

**## Module2-FinalAssignmentRevised-ResearchPaperTopicAssignment.docx**

1

**Repairing Trust After Disclosed Marital Infidelity: A Comparison of Accountability, Emotional Safety, Acceptance, and Relational Decision Making in Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy and Gottman Method Couple Therapy**

Abraham De La Cruz

School of Behavioral Sciences, Liberty University

**Author Note**

Abraham De La Cruz is a doctoral student in the Community Care and Counseling program at Liberty University.

I have no known conflict of interest to disclose.

Correspondence concerning this paper should be addressed to Abraham De La Cruz, School of Behavioral Sciences, Liberty University.

**Repairing Trust After Disclosed Marital Infidelity: A Comparison of Accountability, Emotional Safety, Acceptance, and Relational Decision Making in Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy and Gottman Method Couple Therapy**

**Category 4:** Infidelity and affairs.

**Topic:** A comparative analysis of how Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy and Gottman Method Couple Therapy address accountability, emotional safety, acceptance, and relational decision-making during trust repair after disclosed marital infidelity.

**Thesis Statement:** Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy and Gottman Method Couple Therapy offer complementary but distinct pathways for repairing trust after disclosed marital infidelity to promote emotional safety, informed relational decision making, and sustainable trust repair: the former develops emotional acceptance, empathic understanding, and targeted behavior change, whereas the latter strengthens accountability, transparency, conflict regulation, and renewed commitment.

**Rationale**

Infidelity in marriage is a topic that should be studied in detail since it interferes with trust, attachment security, and patterns of conflict and shared meaning between the couple. To get the paper out of the general discussion, a smaller comparison of two counseling approaches will help discuss how counselors organize recovery. Doss et al. (2022) point to integrative behavioral couple therapy as an established intervention for couple distress; it is appropriate to study acceptance, behavior change, and emotional reengagement following betrayal. Moreover, Gottman Method Couple Therapy has demonstrated the potential to recover from an affair, particularly in trust, conflict management, and relational satisfaction (Irvine et al., 2023). This analogy is important as counselors have to strike a balance between accountability and emotional safety. Couple healing literature focuses on meaning-making and deliberate rebuilding relationships after infidelity (Fife et al., 2023), whereas trust repair literature underlines transparency, responsiveness, and consistent behavioral evidence (Giacobbi & Lalot, 2025). Besides, therapists outline infidelity work as a clinically complicated one since couples usually come to the counseling with ambivalence and severe distress in relationships (O'Rourke et al., 2025). Injured partners also define recovery as a decision-making process that involves being clear, safe, and relational over time (Mitchell et al., 2026). Thus, the topic is applicable to marital counseling in the context of a marital crisis and two organized methods of responsible healing.

**References**

Doss, B. D., Roddy, M. K., Wiebe, S. A., & Johnson, S. M. (2022). A review of the research during 2010–2019 on evidence‐based treatments for couple relationship distress.
_Journal of marital and family therapy_,
_48_(1), 283–306.
[https://doi.org/10.1111/jmft.12552](https://doi.org/10.1111/jmft.12552)

Fife, S. T., Gossner, J. D., Theobald, A., Allen, E., Rivero, A., & Koehl, H. (2023). Couple healing from infidelity: A grounded theory study.
_Journal of Social and Personal Relationships_,
_40_(12), 3882–3905.
[https://doi.org/10.1177/02654075231177874](https://doi.org/10.1177/02654075231177874)

Giacobbi, M., & Lalot, F. (2025). Unpacking trust repair in couples: A systematic literature review.
_Journal of Family Therapy_,
_47_(1), e12483.
[https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-6427.12483](https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-6427.12483)

Irvine, T. J., Peluso, P. R., Benson, K., Cole, C., Cole, D., Gottman, J. M., & Schwartz Gottman, J. (2024). A pilot study examining the effectiveness of Gottman method couples therapy over treatment-as-usual approaches for treating couples dealing with infidelity.
_The Family Journal_,
_32_(1), 81–94.
[https://doi.org/10.1177/10664807231210123](https://doi.org/10.1177/10664807231210123)

Mitchell, E. A., Brown, K. S., Spencer, J., & Harris, K. (2026). Staying Together After Infidelity: An Exploration of the Decision‐Making Process of Recovery From the Perspective of the Injured Partner.
_Journal of Marital and Family Therapy_,
_52_(1), e70110.
[https://doi.org/10.1111/jmft.70110](https://doi.org/10.1111/jmft.70110)

O’Rourke, V., McElvaney, R., & Kirrane, M. (2025). Grappling with infidelity: The experiences of therapists.
_Journal of Couple & Relationship Therapy_,
_24_(1), 24–48.
[https://doi.org/10.1080/15332691.2024.2391965](https://doi.org/10.1080/15332691.2024.2391965)

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