In this sense cheating is a form of deviant behavior, that refers to the violation of shared social norms and may be read through theories of deviance (Moeck, 2002).
Cheating denotes doing something dishonestly and not being open about it. It is about as deviant as it gets when you are supposed to be in a committed relationship that is supposed to include monogamy.
Examples of behaviors that are generally viewed as socially unacceptable include nose-picking, standing too close to other people, or not bathing regularly. Examples of deviant behavior include drug use, theft, murder, excessive alcohol use, and assault.
First, academic dishonesty is an act of deviant behavior in the psychological and sociological sense. Largely because they know it is wrong, individual students do not often cheat, maybe once or twice in their careers as students.
This expectation of sexual exclusivity, or fidelity to a given set of rules and boundaries, makes infidelity a deviant behavior by its very nature. Those who are engaging in infidelity are breaking the rules they have set down for themselves, prescribing their actions as deviant beyond social or religious conventions.
It can be sexual, emotional, and/or physical.
Infidelity can be traumatic, causing intensely painful emotions for the person who was cheated on. They may actually experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), including heightened anxiety, intrusive thoughts, and emotional distress.
So, the individual who is least likely to cheat on their partner is conscientious, agreeable and introverted. The authors explain: “Conscientiousness refers to self-control, perseverance and sense of duty.
While some believe that an emotional affair is harmless given that there is no sexual relationship, most marriage and relationship experts view it as a form of cheating. Emotional affairs can also act as gateway affairs, eventually leading to emotional and sexual infidelity.
Categories or types of infidelity include physical infidelity, emotional cheating, cyber infidelity, object infidelity, and financial infidelity.
The theory suggests that there are four types of deviant behavior: subcultural, serial, situational, and cultural. Merton”s theory is based on the idea that there is a tension between goals and means in society.
TO EXPLAIN THE PROCESSES, IMPACT AND CONTROL OF DEVIANCY, THE AUTHOR DISCUSSES IN DETAIL FIVE FORMS OF DEVIANCE. THESE ARE: 1) THE DELINQUENT; 2) THE DRUG ADDICT: 3) THE HOMOSEXUAL; 4) THE MENTALLY ILL; AND 5) SUICIDES.
Adult content consumption, drug use, excessive drinking, illegal hunting, eating disorders, or any self-harming or addictive practice are all examples of deviant behaviors.
Signs of emotional cheating
You confide in the other person about the intimate details of your relationship troubles. You've become more detached and emotionally disconnected from your partner. You think about the other person all the time. You are less intimate with your partner.
Deviant lies are those that violate substantive or procedural law, often to achieve perceived legitimate goals and sometimes in support of illegitimate goals such as avoiding discipline. Lies can and do create distrust within the organization and undermine citizen confidence in the police.
The most important thing to remember is what cheating says about a person. They're insecure, impulsive, selfish, and immature. Sometimes, it's a chronic problem that likely won't ever be fixed, just be sure not to ignore the warning signs.
MD. Compulsive cheating disorder (also called serial cheating) is an unofficial term that often refers to chronic infidelity. People with this disorder may identify as being addicted to sex. Sometimes, they also experience issues related to substance use, personality disorders, or other mental health problems.
Research shows that betrayed partners, after learning that their significant other has strayed, typically experience stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms characteristic of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Research in the field of infidelity reveals that there are three distinct personality types correlated with a higher likelihood of cheating: sociopaths, narcissists, and lonely hearts.
Borderline personality disorder (BPD), also known as emotionally unstable personality disorder (EUPD), is a personality disorder characterized by a long-term pattern of intense and unstable interpersonal relationships, distorted sense of self, and strong emotional reactions.
Not all narcissists are cheaters, but rates of infidelity are higher among them, which may concern people who are in a relationship with a narcissist. Your partner may show less interest in you, signs of inappropriate online behavior, flirt with others in front of you, and become defensive when you question them.
Infidelity can have lasting impacts on partners and children the couple may have. Grief, brain changes, behaviors down the road, and mental health conditions such as anxiety, chronic stress, and depression can result. Some families have been able to move past infidelity with time and therapy.
Brain Changes
Dopamine is linked to feelings of gratification and pleasure, and can be very addicting. When a person experiences infidelity and feelings of rejection, their brain chemistry may be altered–they may even have symptoms similar to that of withdrawal.
Cheating husbands may be defensive over the smallest things. They may seem unusually sensitive or touchy about things that seem harmless to you. If you ask an innocent question about what they had for lunch, they may snap at you and accuse you of being controlling or demanding.