Infidelity can never be validated. Those adopting this stance may not want to read further. As per a study by University of Guelph scientists, persons who are over concerned with sexual performance are seemingly more prone to betray their partners. Also, adventurous men who are easily sexually aroused seem to have wandering eyes. On the contrary, women may cheat on their partner in case they encounter certain relationship issues.
It came to fore than irrespective of the sexes, personality characteristics and interpersonal actions are better indicators of betrayal than religion, marital status and gender. As part of the analysis, 506 men and 412 women, reportedly in a monogamous sexual relationship for a period of 3 months to 43 years, participated. They were questioned on demographic factors like religion, education and financial status. They also filled in questionnaires that gauged their personality and relationship attributes.
“Few studies on infidelity have gone beyond exploring demographics. This research shows that demographic variables may not influence decision-making as much as previously thought — that personality matters more, especially for men,†affirmed Robin Milhausen, a professor and sexuality researcher in Guelph’s Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition who conducted the study with Kristen Mark and Erick Janssen of Indiana University.
The study unfolded a meager difference in rates of infidelity with 23% for men and 19% for women. But the indicators that led to such behavior differed. Some of the predictors for men were personality features like inclination towards sexual arousal and anxiety over sexual performance.
Milhausen expressed that the latter may go against our instinct but many studies have found this connotation. Men tend to seek out difficult instances to get some thrill and become aroused. They may also have a liaison since they have an escape if the experience is not satisfactory, as they are not obliged to see the person again. As far as women are concerned they place paramount importance to relationship happiness. Women who are not happy in their relationship are apparently twice as likely to seek someone else. In addition, women who feel they are in a sexually incompatible relationship are seemingly thrice as likely of being disloyal to their better halves.
Milhausen however, warns that the study is based on the noticeable aspects only. For men it is the sexual personality characteristics whereas for women it is the relationship that is of principal vitality. There may be many additional factors which determine infidelity, apart from those mentioned in the study.
The study is published in the journal Archives of Sexual Behaviour.