What group of people cheat the most?
Asked by: Hal Schroeder | Last update: February 10, 2026Score: 4.3/5 (67 votes)
While general trends show men cheat more, infidelity rates vary significantly by age and other factors, with older generations (Baby Boomers/Silent Generation) historically showing higher rates than younger ones, and among older adults, men in their 70s and women in their 60s peaking, though younger adults show increasing rates, closing the gap with older cohorts over time. Factors like lack of religion, growing up in non-intact families, and certain economic situations (both dependence and high income) also influence infidelity.
What groups are most likely to cheat?
This is what I found:
- Heavy social media users. According to research from Cyberpsychology, Behavior and Social Networking, “the more often a person uses Twitter, the more often they have relationship conflicts… ...
- Men whose age ends in 9. ...
- Someone who has already cheated. ...
- Friskier mates. ...
- Wealthier men and poorer women.
Who typically cheats more?
While men generally report higher rates of infidelity, the gap is narrowing, especially among younger generations, with some studies showing women slightly ahead in certain age brackets (like 18-29), though men's rates often peak later in life, creating varied patterns across demographics and cultures, with age, relationship satisfaction, and economic factors influencing likelihood for both genders.
What age group cheats the most?
Infidelity rates peak in middle age for both men and women, though the specific age ranges differ: women often show the highest rates in their 40s and 50s, while for men, it tends to be in their 60s and 70s, with data suggesting older generations (born 1940-1959) have higher rates overall, though younger couples show a decline in cheating compared to previous generations. Milestone birthdays (like 29, 39, 49) can also trigger affairs, possibly due to life anxieties, with rates generally rising in older age groups but dropping off in the 70s and 80s for women, while remaining high for older men.
What gender has the highest cheating rate?
Men generally report higher rates of infidelity than women in most studies, with data from sources like the General Social Survey (GSS) showing around 20% of married men admitting to cheating compared to 13% of married women, though the gap can narrow or even reverse in younger age groups, with women in their 60s sometimes peaking, but men's rates peaking later, often in their 70s and 80s.
7 Types of Cheaters (Why People Cheat) | Dr. Doug Weiss
Who is more loyal, male or female?
At a psychological level we're also told that women are more interdependent as people whereas men are considered to be more independent. Both of these theories would lead us to believe that, generally speaking, women are more loyal than men.
Where do most affairs start?
Most affairs start in the workplace, often beginning with casual conversations, shared projects, or mutual complaints about spouses, leading to lunches and drinks that build emotional intimacy and cross boundaries. Other common places include social circles (friends, gym, hobbies), online interactions (social media, apps), and with past partners (exes, high school sweethearts). The key is proximity and shared experiences that foster connection outside the primary relationship.
What is the #1 divorce cause?
The number one reason for divorce is consistently cited as lack of commitment, often leading to infidelity, growing apart, and frequent conflict/arguing, with financial problems, poor communication, and addiction also being major factors that erode the foundation of a marriage.
What are the first signs of cheating?
Below are 19 common signs of cheating to look out for:
- Drastic Changes in Mood. ...
- Increased Stress. ...
- Changes in Behavior. ...
- Major Changes in Routine. ...
- Secrecy. ...
- Significant Changes in Communication. ...
- Changes in Sexual Desire. ...
- They Lie to You.
What US state has the highest infidelity rate?
Infidelity rates vary by survey, but recent studies point to Hawaii, Louisiana, Kentucky, and Alaska often ranking high for partners admitting to cheating, while Texas, Alabama, Nebraska, Florida, and Georgia also appear frequently in top lists, alongside cities like Miami and Orlando. These findings often stem from polls on dating/infidelity sites (like Ashley Madison) or relationship surveys (like NapLab's) asking users about their experiences.
What is the 80/20 rule in infidelity?
The 80/20 rule in the context of cheating suggests that people often cheat to find the missing 20% of fulfillment they feel their primary partner doesn't provide, while overlooking the 80% of needs that are met. This theory, adapted from the Pareto Principle, explains infidelity as a search for perceived deficits (excitement, validation, physical attributes) in someone new, often leading to the loss of the stable, satisfying 80% in the existing relationship, as seen in movies like Why Did I Get Married?.
What sort of person cheats?
Those who cheat can be driven by many things (An analysis revealed eight key reasons: anger, self-esteem, lack of love, low commitment, need for variety, neglect, sexual desire, and situation or circumstance) but what is often overlooked is that these types of people often cheat repeatedly for the short term chemical ...
How to spot a serial cheater?
Top signs of a serial cheater
- They have poor relationships with others. "One important place to look is their relationship with their parents, siblings, and friends," says Ratush. ...
- They are resistant to addressing their mental health when you bring it up. ...
- They've cheated on you once already.
Can someone truly love you and still cheat?
Yes, it is possible for someone to love you and still cheat, as love alone doesn't guarantee loyalty or self-control; infidelity often stems from underlying issues like low self-esteem, past trauma, emotional insecurity, addiction, or poor coping mechanisms, leading to actions that contradict their loving feelings. Cheating is a complex behavior driven by internal factors, not necessarily a lack of love, though it's a profound breach of trust.
What kind of people are less likely to cheat?
People least likely to cheat often share traits like high conscientiousness, satisfaction in their current relationship, and a strong sense of guilt; demographics suggest women tend to report lower infidelity rates, while some anecdotal evidence points to professions like accounting, pharmacy, and farming as having less cheating, though personality, situational factors, and individual choices matter most.
What occupation cheats on their spouse the most?
Occupational data from the GSS tells a nuanced story about infidelity. Men in high-prestige occupations—think CEOs, physicians and surgeons—are generally more likely than others to have cheated on their spouse.
What is the red flag of a cheater?
Cheating red flags often involve ** secrecy with devices**, changes in intimacy (less or sudden increase), altered routines (new work hours, unexplained absences), emotional distance or irritability, defensiveness, sudden attention to appearance, or unexplained expenses, all pointing to a shift in behavior and connection within the relationship, says 616 Counseling, Psychology Today, and Verywell Mind. These signs signal a breakdown in trust and communication, often accompanied by blaming the partner or creating conflict to justify pulling away, notes Reddit users.
What are the 5 types of cheating?
There are five different types of infidelity: opportunistic, obligatory, romantic, conflicted romantic, and commemorative. Here, we break down each one and what it might mean for your relationship moving forward.
What is silent cheating?
Silent cheating, also known as "micro-cheating," involves subtle breaches of trust and emotional fidelity in a relationship that stop short of a full physical affair, but still cross boundaries, often involving secrecy, emotional intimacy with someone else, or keeping options open, and can include hiding phone activity, confiding personal issues with others, or flirting subtly. It erodes trust by creating emotional distance and is characterized by behaviors that make a partner feel uneasy or emotionally replaced, even if nothing overtly physical occurs.
What is the 10-10-10 rule for divorce?
The "10/10 Rule" in military divorce determines if a former spouse receives direct payments from the military pension, requiring at least 10 years of marriage that overlap with 10 years of the service member's creditable military service. If this rule is met, the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) sends the court-ordered portion directly to the ex-spouse; if not, the service member pays the ex-spouse directly, though the court can still award a share of the pension. This rule affects how payments are made, not the eligibility for pension division itself, which is decided by state law.
What are the 3 C's of divorce?
The "3 Cs of Divorce" generally refer to Communication, Cooperation, and Compromise, principles that help divorcing couples, especially those with children, navigate the process more smoothly by focusing on respectful dialogue, working together for shared goals (like children's welfare), and making concessions for equitable outcomes, reducing conflict and costs. Some variations substitute Custody or Civility for one of the Cs, emphasizing child-focused decisions or maintaining politeness.
What are the four behaviors that cause 90% of all divorces?
The four behaviors that predict divorce with over 90% certainty, known as the "Four Horsemen," are Criticism, Contempt, Defensiveness, and Stonewalling, identified by relationship researcher John Gottman; these toxic communication patterns erode a marriage by destroying trust and connection, with contempt being the most damaging.
At what age do most affairs happen?
Infidelity rates peak in middle age for both men and women, though the specific age ranges differ: women often show the highest rates in their 40s and 50s, while for men, it tends to be in their 60s and 70s, with data suggesting older generations (born 1940-1959) have higher rates overall, though younger couples show a decline in cheating compared to previous generations. Milestone birthdays (like 29, 39, 49) can also trigger affairs, possibly due to life anxieties, with rates generally rising in older age groups but dropping off in the 70s and 80s for women, while remaining high for older men.
What is the 7 7 7 rule for couples?
The 7-7-7 rule for couples is a relationship guideline suggesting they schedule consistent, quality time together: a date night every 7 days, a weekend getaway every 7 weeks, and a longer, romantic vacation every 7 months, designed to maintain connection, prevent drifting apart, and reduce burnout by fostering regular intentionality and fun. While some find the schedule ambitious or costly, experts agree the principle of regular, dedicated connection is vital, encouraging couples to adapt the frequency to fit their lives.
What personality types have affairs?
There are several types of personalities that have been found to be more prone to cheating, including narcissists, psychopaths, and those with an avoidant attachment style.