If there's one thing all cheaters have in common, it's poor impulse control. They are tempted by an opportunity and lack the emotional maturity needed to resist that temptation.
Serial cheaters consistently cheat on their partners, even when they're in committed, monogamous relationships. They often struggle with poor impulse control and a lack of personal accountability. Some serial cheaters experience guilt over their actions, but others show little or no remorse.
An analysis revealed eight key reasons: anger, self-esteem, lack of love, low commitment, need for variety, neglect, sexual desire, and situation or circumstance.
Cheating can be a sign of deep relational issues
A cheater might suffer from extremely low self-esteem and a narcissistic view of seeing things. Some people have a tendency for attention-seeking and once they are satisfied with one person they might go on to another to fulfil their needs and validate themselves.
Reasons for commitment-related infidelity may include: Difference in opinion about relationships (casual, exclusive, etc.) Fear of committing even if they love their partner. Lack of interest in a long-term commitment.
Research in the field of infidelity reveals that there are three distinct personality types correlated with a higher likelihood of cheating: sociopaths, narcissists, and lonely hearts.
Cheaters are impulsive, and can't resist taking that risk despite what it might cost them. Cheaters, like bullies, are fueled by power, and drawn to risk. This kind of behavior, however, is a reflection of something deeply rooted inside of them.
Also known as emotional-cheating, micro cheating falls under the umbrella of emotional infidelity and refers to small, seemingly insignificant things that a person can do that, while not explicitly unfaithful, can carry with them the hint of infidelity.
MD. Not all narcissists are cheaters, but rates of infidelity are higher among them, which may concern people who are in a relationship with a narcissist. Your partner may show less interest in you, signs of inappropriate online behavior, flirt with others in front of you, and become defensive when you question them.
An infidelity is often a selfish act, and its motivation has everything to do with the person who's cheating. We rounded up some common reasons why experts say people cheat.
Cheaters feel that their life's problems and frustrations entitle them to do what they want. They may feel a twinge of guilt or sadness about cheating, but their main feeling is one of why not. Thinking of a partner in tears or a broken relationship isn't enough to stop them.
Lying is a common reaction to accusations of cheating.
They might also say things to make you doubt yourself, like “You're just being paranoid,” or “That's crazy, why would you think that?” This form of deception is called “gaslighting.” Spotting the difference between a lie and an honest denial can be tricky.
In many cases, people think their spouse is cheating on them because either they've cheated on someone in the past or are about to. Psychologists say that projection is a low-level coping skill, where people who cheat or think of cheating are likely to project the same thoughts on their partners.
Between 40 percent and 76 percent of people cheat on their partners over the course of their relationship. Men with performance anxiety and who like to take risks are most likely to cheat, a study finds.
Those high on conscientiousness are characterised by being organised, efficient, competent, and self-disciplined, whereas agreeableness is characterised by being trusting and forgiving, altruistic, and modest. The researchers then assessed which reason was the most likely to deter cheating behaviour.
Sadly, INFPs ranked the lowest for happiness as well as the lowest for life-satisfaction. According to the third edition of the MBTI® Manual, these types also ranked second highest in dissatisfaction with their marriages and intimate relationships.
In some cases, it stems from unmet needs in a relationship. Issues like lack of communication, boredom, and personal insecurities can fester when they're not fully addressed. If one partner feels like they're never listened to or respected in their primary relationship, they may look for that in another person.
According to the General Social Survey, men are more likely to cheat than women, with 20% of men and 13% of women reporting having sex with someone other than their partner while still married. However, the gender gap varies per age.