If you've been cheated on, you know how painful the realization can
be. But if you're the one doing the cheating, perhaps you've wondered
about the
why. Are some people just more inclined to fall into infidelity? Anyone in
a relationship might find the recent article shared on the Wall Street
Journal particularly interesting. Several researchers and psychologists
discussed the science behind infidelity and the factors that make some
individuals more prone to fall into this.
Who is cheating and what are the common factors?
After studying the data of a dating website dedicated solely to extramarital
affairs, researchers discovered that infidelity most commonly occurs when
people are on the cusp of significant life changes. The numbers showed
that most men who cheated where ages 29, 39, 49, 59, or any other age
ending in nine. To put it plainly, affairs tend to pop up every 10 years
on average.
The exact definition of infidelity is where things get a little murky.
There are those who consider only engaging in the act of sexual intercourse
with someone who you aren't in a committed relationship with to be
infidelity, while others deem even flirting and secret-sharing as foul
play. Studies show that roughly one in five married people will confess
to having partaken in a sexual affair. Unfortunately,
thinking about cheating on your spouse is far more common, according to the experts.
So what makes people give in to infidelity? Psychologists have identified
six key areas that increase the odds of cheating:
-
Gender: Men are more likely to cheat, thanks to testosterone. However, with the
ease of the internet, women are quickly closing the gender gap.
-
Age: One psychology professor pointed out that the middle of life is much
less conducive to affairs. The energy of kid-rearing and jobs makes those
aged 35-50 less at risk for cheating.
-
Opportunity: The ability to actually cheat makes it much more common. A job, frequent
travel, and even where you live can all impact your propensity to engage
in affairs.
-
History: The reason behind why someone cheated says a lot about their decision
to do it again. Additionally, experts say that personality traits also
contribute to infidelity.
-
Relationship dissatisfaction: Sexual dissatisfaction often leads people down the cheating road. Similarly,
when you're happy with your marriage, the chances of infidelity are slim.
-
Personality: Low characteristics of 'agreeableness' and 'conscientiousness'
are common traits among those who cheat. Showing signs of narcissism and
sensation-seeking may also be contributors.
You can read the entire article
here. Whether you're facing a divorce because of infidelity or other equally
damaging circumstances, get in contact with our Irvine divorce lawyer!
We have over 20 years of experience helping people pursue a favorable
ending to their marriage.