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Submission Number: 284
Submission ID: 1609
Submission UUID: 6389074e-27d3-4e68-8b61-bbf9e82ca38e
Submission URI: /2025/abstracts
Created: Wed, 07/30/2025 - 20:49
Completed: Wed, 07/30/2025 - 21:14
Changed: Sun, 08/10/2025 - 20:46
Remote IP address: 197.184.98.196
Submitted by: Anonymous
Language: English
Is draft: No
Current page: Complete
Webform: Abstract
Presenters
Ms.
Ngwasheng
Manare belsie
Unisa
Ms Ngwasheng is a qualified Social Worker employed by the Department of Social Development since 2017. She obtained her Bachelor of Social Work degree from the University of Limpopo in 2014 and completed a short course in Employee Wellness Programme at the University of South Africa (UNISA) in 2017. In pursuit of further academic growth, she earned a Bachelor of Arts Honours in Psychology from UNISA in 2020.
In 2022, she obtained her Master’s degree in Social Work at UNISA, with a dissertation titled “Infidelity amongst young married couples: suggestions for social work interventions.” She is currently a Doctor of Social Work candidate at UNISA and has received confirmation of graduation. Her doctoral research is titled “Experience-based perspective of marriage life post-infidelity: guidelines for social work practice.”
Her academic and professional interests focus on marriage and family dynamics, social work counselling, couple counselling, and qualitative research.
In 2022, she obtained her Master’s degree in Social Work at UNISA, with a dissertation titled “Infidelity amongst young married couples: suggestions for social work interventions.” She is currently a Doctor of Social Work candidate at UNISA and has received confirmation of graduation. Her doctoral research is titled “Experience-based perspective of marriage life post-infidelity: guidelines for social work practice.”
Her academic and professional interests focus on marriage and family dynamics, social work counselling, couple counselling, and qualitative research.
Yes
Prof.
Mbedzi
Rembuluwani Paul
UNISA
Prof Mbedzi is the Head of Social Work Department (HOD) and an Associate Professor at the University of South Africa, with vast experience in the field of social work. He also serves as the President of the South African Council for Social Service Profession (SACSSP). Prior to joining UNISA, he practiced as a social worker in the public service and in diverse non-governmental organisations for many years. Throughout his academic journey, he successfully supervised a number of postgraduate students to completion. His research interest includes amongst others, marriage and couple counselling, family functioning, divorce counselling and working with children.
No
Abstract
NAVIGATING MARRIAGE POST-INFIDELITY: LIVED EXPERIENCES OF MARRIED PERSONS AND THEIR NEED FOR SOCIAL WORK SERVICES
THEME 1: Green Social Work and Climate Resilience: Supporting Vulnerable Communities in the Face of Environmental Crises
SUB 1.3 How social workers support resilience, adaptation, and recovery in affected communities.
Oral Presentation
Infidelity is a painful experience that often leads to emotional distress, broken trust, and challenges to the overall well-being of a marriage. Although many studies focus on why infidelity happens and its consequences, fewer studies look at how married persons who remain in marriage navigate life post-infidelity and their need for professional support. This study used a qualitative approach to explore how married persons cope and rebuild their relationship after infidelity, as well as how social work services can support their healing journey. The main aim of the study was to explore the lived experiences of married persons who remained in marriage post-infidelity and to understand their needs for social work services. The research focused on three main objectives: (1) to explore and describe the experiences of married persons who remained married post-infidelity; (2) to explore and examine the emotional, psychological, and relationship impacts of infidelity; and (3) to identify suggestions from these married persons on how social workers can support them. A qualitative research design was used, drawing on phenomenological, exploratory, descriptive, and contextual methods. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants from the Capricorn District in Limpopo Province. Key themes emerged from the data, including how married persons discovered the infidelity, their emotional and psychological reactions, reasons for staying, coping strategies, and the importance of external support systems. The findings highlight the resilience and inner strength of married persons who chose to rebuild their relationship. The study also shows how resilience- and strength-based approaches can be useful in supporting these married persons. Social work services play a vital role in helping married persons recover emotionally, improve communication, and rebuild trust. This study provides important insights for social work practitioners working with married persons who face challenges after infidelity.
Keywords: marriage; post-infidelity; lived experiences; married persons; social work services
Keywords: marriage; post-infidelity; lived experiences; married persons; social work services
Reviewer ONE Feedback
Prof
Alice
Ncube
Yes
Empirical Research
Accepted
Reviewer TWO Feedback
Mr
Luvuyo
Teko
No
Empirical Research
Accepted