Cheating, often described in scientific literature as variously extradyadic involvement, unfaithfulness, affairs, exploring, or simply cheating, encompasses a range of secret romantic engagements while committed to an exclusive relationship. This can involve emotional connections or escalate to penetrative sex. Research indicates that around 25% of marriages grapple with cheating, with a notable increase noted among older men (ages 65–90) in the early 2000s.
The impact of cheating extends beyond the individual, affecting couples and even their children. The emotional toll is linked to conditions such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), often leading to divorce. Additionally, the consequences of cheating extend to domestic violence and an elevated risk of sexually transmitted diseases, further complicating the dynamics of romantic relationships.
Reference:
Rokach A, Chan SH. Love and Infidelity: Causes and Consequences. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2023 Feb 22;20(5):3904. doi: 10.3390/ijerph20053904. PMID: 36900915; PMCID: PMC10002055.