What personality types are unfaithful?
Asked by: Ms. Thalia Harber II | Last update: July 3, 2026Score: 4.3/5 (53 votes)
Unfaithful behavior is highly correlated with personality traits high in narcissism, psychopathy, and Machiavellianism (the "Dark Triad"). These individuals often prioritize self-gratification, lack empathy, and enjoy thrill-seeking. Those low in conscientiousness and agreeableness, or high in extraversion and neuroticism, are also more likely to cheat.
What personality traits lead to cheating?
They also score higher in openness to experience and extraversion. However, they score lower in conscientiousness. studies show. Individuals who have subclinical levels of psychopathy, narcissism, and Machiavellianism – called Dark Triad traits – are well-known to have higher risk of infidelity.
Who has the highest infidelity rate?
Thailand has the highest reported infidelity rate in the world, with over 51% of married individuals admitting to cheating on their partners. Other countries with high rates include Denmark (46%), Germany (45%), Italy (45%), and France (43%).
What are the 4 M's of infidelity?
The "4 M's of Infidelity" refer to the primary reasons why people often find it difficult to leave their affair partners, as defined by Dr. Harley: Momentum, Madness, Mystery, and Malevolence. These factors create a powerful, artificial bond that traps the unfaithful spouse in a cycle that is difficult to break.
What type of person is unfaithful?
People who cheat often exhibit traits like low self-esteem, narcissism, insecurity, or a high need for validation. Common factors include poor impulse control, immaturity, a history of infidelity, or feelings of entitlement. Cheating is frequently driven by underlying issues like unhappiness, boredom, or lack of commitment rather than just sexual desire.
The Common Personality Traits of Cheaters
What is the #1 cause of cheating?
The #1 cause of cheating is a lack of emotional connection or intimacy in the primary relationship. Rather than simply a desire for sex, most people cheat because they feel ignored, unappreciated, or disconnected, leading them to seek validation, intimacy, or excitement elsewhere.
What are the four behaviors that cause 90% of all divorces?
According to research by Dr. John Gottman and the Gottman Institute, the four behaviors that predict divorce with over 90% accuracy are criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling. Referred to as the "Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse," these communication patterns destroy intimacy and safety in relationships.
What is the most common age for affairs?
Affairs are most common during midlife, specifically in the 40s to 50s age bracket, with research also showing a significant peak in the 30s (specifically ages 33–39). While infidelity spans all ages, it often correlates with major life transitions, long-term marriage boredom, and, for older men, midlife crises.
What is the strongest predictor of infidelity?
The strongest predictor of infidelity is a personal history of cheating in previous relationships. While relationship dissatisfaction (low sexual/emotional satisfaction) is a major driver, studies using machine learning indicate that past behavior is the most robust predictor of future intentions, followed by a high number of lifetime sexual partners.
How do affairs end usually?
Most affairs end when the excitement fades, the secrecy becomes too exhausting, or the affair is exposed, leading to the dissolution of the secret relationship rather than a transition into a new, lasting one. Only about 3–7% of affairs lead to marriage, and of those that do, roughly 75% end in divorce.
What jobs are most likely to have affairs?
Data from relationship surveys and divorce filings indicates that healthcare (specifically nursing and medicine), manual trades, and sales/corporate management consistently report the highest rates of infidelity.
What is the #1 reason people cheat?
The #1 reason people cheat is a profound sense of emotional disconnection, neglect, or lack of love within their primary relationship. While physical desire plays a role, studies indicate that emotional unmet needs—feeling unappreciated, lonely, or unheard—drive partners to seek validation and connection elsewhere.
What attachment style is less likely to cheat?
Attachment styles and romantic relationships
People who are securely attached have confidence in the stability of their relationship and neither fear the other person's infidelity nor are likely to stray from their partner.
What body language shows someone is cheating?
Cheating body language cue #1 – No eye contact
Too little eye contact in a conversation can be a hint your partner is having an affair. A cheater will always look away when they're asked a direct question. This is especially true when quizzed about their whereabouts.
What qualities do cheaters lack?
Their inability to empathize with others, insecurity, risk-taking and lack of morals mean they lack the qualities necessary to process the full ramifications of their infidelity, including how it impacts and hurts others.
Which personality disorder cheats?
Studies have identified three personality disorders that are strongly correlated with a higher likelihood of engaging in serial infidelity: Narcissism, Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), and Psychopathy.
What is the big five of infidelity?
In psychology, the "Big Five" of infidelity refers to how an individual's personality traits—measured by the Big Five or OCEAN model—predict their likelihood of cheating. These traits are Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism.
Who goes first in cheat?
The goal is to get rid of all your cards. Choose who starts however you like, and that person discards something from their hand face down, calling the value and quantity. For example, they may say 'two sixes'. The next person then must discard either fives or sevens.
Where does most infidelity start?
Cheating often starts with secrecy, emotional detachment, and small boundary violations rather than a sudden physical act. It typically begins with minor actions like withholding information, hiding phone conversations, or excessive flirting, which gradually erode trust and commitment long before physical intimacy.
What year of marriage do most affairs happen?
Affairs most commonly peak around the seventh year of marriage, often referred to as the "seven-year itch". Studies indicate that while this year is a high point, significant risks also emerge between years three and five, often coinciding with the birth of a first child.
What are the early signs that a man will cheat?
A few potential signs of infidelity include emotional distance, abrupt changes in sexual behavior, secrecy, anger, and defensiveness. Feeling suspicious does not always mean infidelity, but patterns can matter.
What state has the highest rate of adultery?
Recent 2025 studies indicate that New York often ranks as the top state for infidelity based on high volumes of online searches for cheating-related content. However, different surveys yield different results, with Texas previously identified as having the most cheaters, and Hawaii showing the highest percentage of self-reported infidelity (80.56%) in other studies.
What is the #1 thing that destroys marriages?
While many factors contribute to divorce, the #1 thing that destroys marriages is a lack of commitment. This often manifests through poor communication, neglect, and the gradual erosion of trust, ultimately causing couples to drift apart rather than actively work through challenges.
What is the no. 1 predictor of divorce?
According to relationship researcher Dr. John Gottman, the number one predictor of divorce is contempt. It is considered the most toxic and destructive behavior in a marriage because it stems from a feeling of moral superiority over a partner rather than treating them as an equal.
How to tell if your husband is about to leave you?
Signs a husband may be planning to leave include deep emotional withdrawal, severe financial secrecy (moving money, new accounts), and avoiding all future planning. He may become distant, indifferent to issues, and treat you like a roommate, focusing only on his own life, hobbies, or digital world.