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.
According to the General Social Survey, men are more likely to cheat than women, with 20% of men and 13% of women reporting having sex with someone other than their partner while still married. However, the gender gap varies per age.
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.
People who are more extraverted are also more likely to cheat on their partner, the researchers found. It is probably because extraverted people have a wider social circle and so more opportunities to cheat. Also, extraverts are impulsive, sensation-seekers who can easily succumb to their desires.
Between 40 percent and 76 percent of people cheat on their partners over the course of their relationship. Men with performance anxiety and who like to take risks are most likely to cheat, a study finds. Women, though, tend to cheat if they are dissatisfied with the relationship.
Cheaters are impulsive, and can't resist taking that risk despite what it might cost them. Cheaters, like bullies, are fueled by power, and drawn to risk. This kind of behavior, however, is a reflection of something deeply rooted inside of them.
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.
Highly extroverted people are also more likely to cheat on their partners; not only that, but partners of extroverts are also more likely to cheat.
Introverts Are Loyal
Because every social and romantic relationship is a higher energy investment for introverts, they tend to be extremely loyal and appreciate loyalty in return. Because of their investment, they might see the loss of a relationship or it being in turmoil as more of a threat than you do.
Science seems to back this conclusion as well because there is research that indicates extroverts, especially the highly extroverted, are more likely to cheat. Although on the flipside their partners, be they fellow extroverts or introverts, are also more likely to return the favor.
ISFJs win the award for the most loyal personality type. They tend to be extremely committed and selfless in their relationships and put the needs of their loved ones first. ISFJs are known for being dependable, reliable, and supportive of those close to them.
If someone is feeling neglected in a relationship, or has underlying self-esteem issues, they might be more likely to cheat. People with low self-esteem often need more external validation than other people do because they are not able to validate themselves.
In summary, the findings from this study suggest those less likely to cheat are women who are high in conscientiousness and low in openness. Whereas, those more likely to cheat are men who score low in conscientiousness and high in openness.
Results of a 2005 study show that there is a significant difference between cheaters and non-cheaters when it comes to the Big Five model of personality traits. Poor self control, selfishness, anger, boredom, and attention-seeking are the most common reasons a person is unfaithful in their relationship.
Ages 30 to 39 – 32%
Again, both women and men typically register on Ashley Madison while in their 30s, so it makes sense why this age group would take the top spot. This is also a time when the shine of marriage may start to fade, leading to a desire to cheat.
Interestingly, when it comes to the frequency of contacting, 47 per cent said they are in touch with the person they are cheating with one or two times a day, while 42 per cent contact their spouse once or twice daily also.
People are attracted to loyal and devoted people. While introverts may not always realize it, this is a trait most people find attractive in them. Their loyalty isn't just attractive to the recipients of that devotion, but to anyone who observes them.
Because introverts are more private, they're inclined to cultivate a lifestyle that maximizes autonomy and self-sufficiency.
By extension, introverts typically prefer more submissive social roles, and tend to be less impulsive.
Extreme introverts are far quieter than typical introverts. People often mistake the trait for shyness. Their quiet demeanor is usually motivated by the need to carefully take in and process what others are saying and doing around them.
1. INTP. The winner of the most introverted personality type goes to INTPs. These analytical thinkers are often deep in thought and prefer to explore complex problems independently.
On average, introverts and extroverts are the same in terms of intelligence. But statistics show that around 70% of gifted people are introverts. People are considered “gifted” when they exhibit above-average intelligence or a superior talent for something, such as music, art or math.
Know That You Aren't a Bad Person
"Cheating is a very serious thing. It's a very big deal, and you should take the time to really sift through all of those feelings and reactions you're having," said Gloria. "At the same time, you also need to recognize that this doesn't make you a categorically terrible person.
An affair means you have little respect for your partner — so little, in fact, that you're happy to be indiscreet with someone else without your partner's knowledge. If you have so little respect for another human being, why are you in a long-term relationship with them?
Here's what we do know about the prevalence of cheating. A 2021 survey by Health Testing Centers polled 441 people and reported: a little over 46% of respondents in a monogamous relationship said they had affairs. nearly 24% of marriages affected by infidelity reported staying together.