Unpacking trust repair in couples: A systematic literature review

Abstract

This systematic literature review aims to summarise the state of empirical research on processes of trust repair in intimate relationships, particularly post-betrayal. It focusses on identifying factors that facilitate or hinder trust recovery. The review adhered to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines, involving an extensive search of Web of Science and Scopus databases. We identified and reviewed thirteen relevant articles. The review shows that fidelity trust is the type of trust most extensively examined by researchers and probably the most crucial for romantic relationships. Across diverse contexts and frameworks, we highlight five key themes for trust repair: (1) proactive transparency, (2) active monitoring, (3) remorse and accountability, (4) shared activities and (5) clear communication of reasons for the betrayal. We also identify limitations in current research, particularly regarding sample sizes and methodology. These findings contribute to a better understanding of trust repair mechanisms in intimate relationships and propose directions for future research, emphasising the need for more robust quantitative studies and the development of tailored therapeutic interventions.