The complex dynamics of cheating have been a topic of interest, with researchers exploring the thoughts, feelings, and behaviours of those involved in affairs. In their study with 495 participants of varying relationship lengths, researchers identified distinct types of cheating based on motivations, relationship processes, and outcomes.
The Thompson’s model highlighted that suboptimal relationships, characterised by low satisfaction, high conflict, and poor communication, play a significant role in leading to cheating. According to this model, cheating acts as a symptom of deeper relational difficulties that couples face.
Researchers found eight key factors influencing individuals’ decisions to engage in affairs. These factors included anger towards a partner’s behaviour, unmet sexual desires, a desire for more intimacy and love, low commitment in the primary relationship, a wish for greater autonomy, situational factors clouding judgment, feelings of mistreatment or neglect, and a quest for a higher number of sexual partners.
Notably, motivations linked to a lack of love and neglect predicted greater reported intimacy with affair partners, including verbal expressions of love, public displays of affection, and engagement in longer affairs. Conversely, situational motivations were inversely associated with these experiences. The study suggested that individuals may seek a more profound romantic connection outside their primary relationships when facing emotional deficiencies.
The research also highlighted a negative correlation between emotional closeness to primary partners and emotional satisfaction from affairs. Some participants, driven by anger and lower commitment, engaged in affairs with the intention of hurting their primary partners. The impact of affairs varied, with some participants seeking to cause harm, while others may not have intended harm or relationship termination.
Commitment emerged as a crucial factor influencing post-affair contact with affair partners. Those with higher commitment levels were less likely to maintain contact. Focusing on one’s partner and the relationship post-affair could promote personal and relational growth. Conversely, lacking such focus might jeopardise the survival of the relationship after an affair. Individuals lacking love, appreciation, and sexual desire in their primary relationships were more inclined to leave and establish a new relationship with their affair partners, according to the study findings.
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.