Disaffection & Hopelessness

Question 1

Define disaffection

Answer 1

gradual loss of an emotional attachment, decline in caring, emotional estrangement, and increasing apathy and indifference toward one’s spouse

Question 2

List the four stages the partner may enter while the other is experiencing disaffection

Answer 2

Despair

Defeat

Disregard

Disengagement

Question 3

Describe disaffection

Answer 3

never due to an incident

gradual, over time loss of affection

Question 4

How do we ignite a change of heart for the dis affectionate spouse?

Answer 4

The one that is hopeless has to be the one to initiate the change.
Pursuer has to pursue once more to try to initiate the change.
Recognize what they don’t want. Make small steps toward what they do want.

Question 5

Define disengagement:

Answer 5

similar to disregard without hostility and bargaining; lost hope; no ability for change; arrived at a sense of peace; “it is what it is”; separate lives; lets go of marriage; not always ends in divorce; healthiest, although none good

Question 6

Define disregard:

Answer 6

willingness to bargain; acceptance as long as there is a benefit; settling; spouse establishes a separate life; little connectedness; common attitude of discounting; hostility exists below the surface

Question 7

Define defeat:

Answer 7

emotionless; dull, bland, void of expression; weary, tired, and lethargic

Question 8

Define despair:

Answer 8

• emotionally intense; emotions are frayed; may feel anxious, depressed, helpless, entrapped, anger, frustration or resentment