The Psychology Of Infidelity

Infidelity, commonly known as cheating, or in the case of marriage, having an affair, is a one of the most difficult relationship issues to approach. It is apparent that once the unfaithful act has taken place, and becomes known by the partner that was being cheated on, it’s usually difficult to forgive and forget. Through the study of a number of disciplines, we may be able to reach some sort of conclusion as to why couples, mainly heterosexual, cheat in their relationships. Biological, psychological, and sociocultural approaches all explore a different take on this issue of infidelity that continues to plague relationships and lead to feelings of anger, resentment, and depression amongst couples.
While the causes of infidelity
Arguably one of the most painful and agonizing experiences a person can go through, the consequences of cheating leave a victim vulnerable and betrayed by someone they have invested their whole self in. A sense of emotional security is stripped away, and it may be difficult for the person that was cheated on, to come to terms with what has be done to them. The cheater, on the other hand, could attain feelings of guilt, humiliation, anger, or resentment. So what is it that goes on psychologically that may provide us with more insight as to why infidelity occurs? For many couples, a reduction in communication, passion, and attraction can all be reasons as to why people stray from each other. Partners may become less emotionally connected to each other as the person committing the infidelity may describe having felt lonely and unappreciated, causing him or her to seek emotional comfort elsewhere. This relationship can start out as a simple friendship in which feelings of unhappiness and dissatisfaction are communicated, then eventually progress a full-fledged affair involving sexual intimacy and passion as the “friend” takes on the role of the partner. Lack of physical intimacy or satisfaction is also a primary reason for infidelity. Sex may not be as fulfilling, as the person would like, or it once was for the couple. In other words, because couples tend to misconstrue the idea of the “honey-moon” phase in their relationship, and crave the sex they used to have when they were still a new couple, they may have trouble redefining how sex can continue to play an enjoyable part in their relationship. As a result, these partners look for sexual gratification elsewhere; and with a new partner that can make them feel the high of sex again. This seeking of gratification could be compared to someone seeking