People cheat for a variety of complex reasons, often involving emotional, psychological, and situational factors rather than a single cause.
Emotional and Psychological Reasons
- Many people cheat because they feel emotionally unfulfilled or disconnected from their partner, seeking emotional intimacy or validation elsewhere ().
- Cheating can be an attempt to boost low self-esteem or deal with feelings of inadequacy by feeling desired by someone new (, ).
- Some may have an addiction to novelty or need a "high," which leads to seeking new partners ().
- Personality traits such as high neuroticism in women or narcissism in men can increase the likelihood of cheating ().
Relationship Dynamics
- Poor communication, unresolved conflicts, and feelings of neglect or being unappreciated can cause partners to stray as an escape or coping mechanism (, , ).
- Boredom, falling out of love, or lack of sexual satisfaction in the relationship are also common triggers for infidelity ().
- Some people cheat due to a lack of commitment to the relationship or because they prioritize self-gratification over intimacy and long-term commitment ().
Situational and Social Influences
- Opportunities with low risk, environments where infidelity is normalized, and a lack of integrity or accountability can facilitate cheating ().
- Past experiences such as childhood neglect, abuse, or having a parent who cheated can influence cheating behavior in adulthood ().
- Revenge or retaliation for prior infidelity is another motive ().
In Summary
People cheat because their needs—be they emotional, physical, or psychological—are not being met within their relationship, or because they prioritize personal gratification over commitment and intimacy. Often, cheating results from a combination of individual vulnerabilities, relationship problems, and external opportunities or pressures.
