What is the strongest predictor of infidelity?
Asked by: Dr. Eva Stiedemann IV | Last update: February 9, 2026Score: 4.5/5 (57 votes)
The strongest predictors of infidelity are relationship dissatisfaction, sexual dissatisfaction, and a history of past infidelity, with low commitment, desire differences, and certain attachment styles also playing significant roles, though factors like age, attractiveness, and opportunity (e.g., workplace) also increase risk, making relationship quality and individual fulfillment key areas.
What are the biggest predictors of cheating?
A new study used a machine-learning algorithm to determine what does (and doesn't) predict infidelity. Demographic and personality factors were inconsistent predictors; relationship factors were much stronger. Low sexual and relationship satisfaction, high sexual desire, and lack of love are the most robust predictors.
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?.
Where do most affairs start with a man?
Most affairs for men, and generally, start in the workplace, driven by proximity, shared stress, and "situational intimacy," but also frequently begin at the gym, through social media, or with friends/partners of friends, often stemming from emotional needs for connection, validation, or escape, rather than just physical desire, according to various relationship experts and studies.
What personality traits predict infidelity?
There are consistent associations between infidelity and each of the Big 5 traits. For example, people who cheat in romantic relationships score higher on Neuroticism, Openness to Experience, and Extraversion. They score lower on Agreeableness and Conscientiousness.
Biggest Predictors for Infidelity
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.
Which personality type is most loyal?
Type Six Overview. We have named personality type Six The Loyalist because, of all the personality types, Sixes are the most loyal to their friends and to their beliefs. They will “go down with the ship” and hang on to relationships of all kinds far longer than most other types.
At what age do men have the most affairs?
The survey says that infidelity among men peaked at the age of 50 to 59 (31%). The number decreases as the men age during this period. For women, the highest infidelity rate is from ages 40 to 49 (18%), which declines as they age.
What time of day do most affairs happen?
IllicitEncounters.com, a UK website that matches married folks interested in extramarital affairs, surveyed 1,000 of its users and found that the prime time for cheating is Friday at 6:45 PM. Tuesday evenings were the second most popular time for cheating, according to the survey.
What are the three types of men who have affairs?
While specific categorizations vary, many experts identify three broad types of men who have affairs: the Opportunist (cheats when the chance arises), the Player/Validation Hunter (seeks ego boosts and attention), and the Chronic Dissatisfied/Frustrated Guy (seeks to fulfill unmet needs or escape an unhappy relationship). These types often stem from personality traits like narcissism, insecurity, or a desire for external validation rather than inherent relationship problems.
What is the 3 6 9 rule in dating?
The 3-6-9 dating rule is a framework for relationship progression, marking key phases: 3 months (honeymoon phase), 6 months (conflict/reality check), and 9 months (decision/solidification) to gauge compatibility by navigating challenges and seeing a partner's true colors before major commitments like moving in or marriage, helping to build a strong, realistic foundation by seeing good, bad, and ugly.
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.
How to tell if someone doesn't love you anymore?
Signs someone may not love you anymore often involve decreased communication, less physical affection, avoiding quality time, a lack of future planning together, and increased criticism or indifference, showing emotional distance and a shift in priorities where you're no longer a focus. They might seem mentally checked out, become secretive, prioritize others, or show less concern for your feelings and daily life.
What are the big five cheating?
The 'big five' refers to the personality traits of someone likely to cheat on their partners. They are classified under four headings: Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism.
What month cheats the most?
Data suggests that people cheat more in January. Here's why.
Let's take a closer look at the statistics and why January is the #1 month people cheat.
How do extra marital affairs start?
Extramarital affairs don't just happen overnight. They often stem from overall marital dissatisfaction and existing marital issues such as a lack of openness or communication. At this point, it is crucial that couples try to be open to sharing and be willing to listen.
What year of marriage do most affairs happen?
Interestingly, the most common time for infidelity to occur is after approximately seven years of marriage, on average. However, there is a gender difference in the infidelity patterns over time.
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.
What do cheaters do before they cheat?
Interestingly enough, some individuals who cheat also exhibit signs of dissatisfaction long before they actually stray. They may withdraw emotionally from their partners or display irritability over minor issues—a signal that something deeper is amiss within themselves rather than solely within the relationship.
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.
Which gender is more loyal in a relationship?
Using gender to predict loyalty is not the right approach. It misses the real issue. The truth about who stays faithful has much more to do with how we form attachments than whether we're male or female. Research shows that our early life experiences affect our loyalty more than our gender does.
What's the difference between adultery and infidelity?
Infidelity is the broad term for breaking trust in any committed relationship (emotional or physical), while adultery is a specific type of infidelity involving sexual intercourse between a married person and someone other than their spouse, often carrying legal or religious weight. In short, adultery is a subset of infidelity; all adultery is infidelity, but not all infidelity is adultery (e.g., emotional cheating in an unmarried couple).
Which personality is the most romantic?
ISFJ: The Classic Romantic
Traditionalist ISFJs excel at “classic” romance like no other personality type: think candlelit dinners, walks on a moonlit beach and timeless proposals, down on one knee. You listen to your partner and remember the little things about them.
What is a number 6 personality?
Personality Number 6, often called "The Nurturer" in numerology and "The Loyalist" in the Enneagram, signifies deep care, responsibility, loyalty, and a strong desire for harmony and security, making people with this number compassionate, protective, and supportive figures who often put others' needs first, though they can struggle with self-doubt and anxiety when feeling uncertain. They are drawn to creating emotional safety, offering comfort, and are seen as reliable, trustworthy, and empathetic, though their need for reassurance can sometimes manifest as worry or defensiveness.
What's the kindest personality type?
1. ESFJ. People who fit the ESFJ personality type can usually be recognized by their big hearts and kindly manner. ESFJs are warm and welcoming and their love of tradition means they value good old-fashioned manners highly.