Unfaithful Past: Predicting Future Infidelity - Should I Trust a Cheater?
Pondering a flirtation - is it truly worth engaging in an extramarital relationship? - Delving into the flames of infidelity - pondering if the act is truly on my horizon?
By Stefanie Stahl and Lukas Klaschinski
- 6-minute read
- Dive into the intricacies of infidelity and relationships
Lukas Klaschinski: There's a lingering question that's always crossed my mind: When someone admits to infidelity in a past relationship, is it a red flag? Does their psychological history suggest they'll stray again? Or is it a mere happenstance? In other words, how likely is it that a person who's cheated once, will do it again?
Let's delve into the factors that may influence repeat infidelity:
Key Influencing Factors
- Personality Traits: Certain personality traits, such as narcissism, can make individuals more prone to cheating due to characteristics like entitlement, impulsivity, and lack of empathy[2]. Narcissists often crave new sources of gratification, potentially leading to repeated infidelity.
- Behavioral Patterns: People who've previously cheated may continue to do so if they haven't addressed underlying issues or if their relationship dynamics remain unchanged. This can be due to unresolved personal problems or a lack of commitment[3].
- Relationship Dynamics: The dynamics of the relationship play a significant role. If trust, communication, or emotional fulfillment are absent, partners may seek satisfaction externally, potentially leading to repeated infidelity[4].
- Cognitive and Emotional Factors: Irrational thinking patterns and rigid expectations can contribute to sexual problems and relationship issues, potentially increasing the likelihood of repeat infidelity if not addressed[5].
Empirical Insights
While there isn't precise data on the probability of repeat infidelity, research indicates that those who have engaged in infidelity are generally more likely to do it again. However, this likelihood can vary based on factors such as an individual's willingness to seek help, change behavior, and improve relationship dynamics[6].
In essence, while a person who's cheated may be more likely to do it again, it's not inevitable. It significantly depends on personal growth, relationship recovery, and addressing underlying issues that led to the initial infidelity. A crucial question to consider is whether the person in question is genuinely committed to change and fostering a healthy, honest relationship.
In the realm of psychology, certain traits, such as narcissism, can increase the likelihood of repeat infidelity due to characteristics like entitlement, impulsivity, and lack of empathy [2]. Additionally, in the health-and-wellness sector, research suggests that individuals who have previously engaged in infidelity are generally more likely to do so again; however, this likelihood isn't definitive, as it hinges on an individual's willingness to seek help, change behavior, and improve relationship dynamics [6].
